Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Guide Association on Government support for outdoor adventure centres in (a) Waddow Hall in Lancashire and (b) other places.

The Government recognises the vital role that youth services and activities play in improving the life chances and wellbeing of young people.

We have guaranteed that by 2025, every young person in England will have access to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home and volunteering opportunities. This is supported by over £500 million of investment in youth services.

As part of the National Youth Guarantee, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is providing over £16 million to Uniformed Youth Organisations, including Girlguiding, to support them to tackle their waiting lists and create more opportunities for young people to participate in these groups.

As an independent organisation it is for Girlguiding to set its own policy. However, the government recognises the importance of Girlguiding’s outdoor adventure centres to many girls and is engaging with Girlguiding on these issues.