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The government has announced a £500 million investment aimed at revitalizing youth services across England, addressing the challenges faced by a sector described as “decimated” in recent years. This funding will support the creation and refurbishment of 250 youth centres and the introduction of 50 new Young Futures Hubs over the next four years. These hubs, which were featured in Labour’s manifesto as locations combining existing services under one roof, are designed to provide comprehensive support for young people.
Looking ahead to 2035, the government plans to connect half a million young individuals with youth workers, volunteers, and trusted adults to help them navigate online safety and strengthen their social connections. While the Conservative Party criticized Labour, suggesting the future for the younger generation looks “increasingly bleak” under their leadership, the Liberal Democrats argued that the government’s efforts remain insufficient and called for greater action.
The funding is part of the government’s broader National Youth Strategy, focused on rebuilding and enhancing youth services over the next decade. Primarily targeted at young people aged 10 to 21, the strategy also includes support for those up to age 25 with special educational needs and disabilities. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted the urgency of the situation, describing young people today as “the most digitally connected but also the most isolated in generations.” She emphasized that youth policy has been neglected for too long and declared that “this generation deserves better.” The YMCA echoed this sentiment, welcoming the investment as a positive start but warning that the scale of funding only partially addresses the extensive damage youth services have suffered.
The new Young Futures Hubs will serve as safe spaces staffed by youth workers and professionals offering support for those at risk and providing career guidance. The first eight hubs are expected to be operational by March 2026 in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, County Durham, Nottingham, Bristol, Tower Hamlets, and Brighton and Hove. The government promises these renewed centres will provide young people with a place to go, meaningful activities to engage in, and caring adults to support their wellbeing.
Reactions to the announcement have varied. Shadow culture secretary Nigel Huddleston welcomed the “renewed investment” but criticized Labour for scrapping the National Citizen Service—originally part of David Cameron’s Big Society initiative—which left over a million young people without valuable opportunities. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Munira Wilson called for improved access to local services and reforms to the “broken” special needs system, asserting that the future of many vulnerable children is at stake. The Local Government Association responded positively but stressed the importance of backing the funding with adequate support for the youth services workforce
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