National Youth Strategy

Baroness Hughes of Stretford Excerpts

Tuesday 10th December 2024 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Hughes of Stretford]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in developing a National Youth Strategy.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Twycross) (Lab)]

We have started our engagement with young people in the sector. Yesterday the Secretary of State met young people in Bristol to discuss the role of young people in the strategy and how we as a Government can support them. We are in the process of establishing a youth advisory board and an expert advisory board. Over the coming months, we will hold further face-to-face engagements and seek the views of experts in our sectors and as many young people as possible, to put young people back in charge of their own destiny.

[Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for that Answer and support the Government’s initiative. Does she agree that all young people need access to positive out-of-school activities with trusted adults, to develop confidence and resilience and to reach their own potential? For so many, such opportunities are limited through disadvantage, disability, poor circumstances and the severe cuts we have seen in youth services over the last 14 years. How will the Government ensure that this strategy levels up that inequality of opportunity among young people and reaches those most in need?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I wholeheartedly agree with my noble friend. The national youth strategy will allow us to better target funding and services where they are most needed and to reduce geographical disparities in choices and chances. We will continue to deliver additional hours of positive activities and adventures away from home for disadvantaged and vulnerable young people. In addition to better youth spaces, we will complete youth investment fund projects in disadvantaged areas, providing safe spaces and equality of access for young people from all backgrounds.