Sector bodies voice support for damning youth services report

The report into youth services by the education select committee criticised the government for failing to produce a youth policy or strategy at a time when local authority youth services are experiencing major cuts. It also questioned the cost of the government’s flagship National Citizen Service (NCS), arguing that it cannot be justified.

The Confederation of Heads of Young People’s Services (Chyps) said it supported a number of recommendations contained in the report.

Chyps chair Sue Payne said: "In setting out its strategic vision the government should indicate its expectations of the range and standards of youth services that should be available across the country. This will help and shape youth services locally and I am pleased the select committee has said this."

Payne also welcomed the committee’s call that the government should announce publicly its intention to retain the statutory duty on local authorities to secure young people's access to leisure-time activities.

The findings were also endorsed by the British Youth Council (BYC). Young chair Liam Preston said: "Young people have been telling us for some time that local youth services are being slashed by local authorities as an easy target to make savings. We welcome the fact this is acknowledged by the report.

"This is a critical time for young people and we should be investing in their support rather than looking to save money; it’s a false economy. We need a long-term strategy that values the role of youth services."

Preston added: "Young people, as highlighted in this report, should have an input into this strategy, not only at a national level, but participate in its development and implementation at a local level."

Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, welcomed the report’s recognition of the challenges facing those planning youth policy within reduce budgets but urged decision makers to think radically to reshape what was on offer to young people.
 
"We must develop services that reflect and respond to young peoples lives.  They must involve communities and families, and see young people in the round – demanding that services work together to offer intelligent and seamless support."

She added: "Young people have complex and fast moving lives.  Our services and support need to keep pace to remain relevant."