Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many local authorities submitted an expression of interest in the Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme; how many were successful; and how many were unsuccessful.

Fifty local authorities (excluding the early adopters) were shortlisted for the Expression of Interest (EOI) process. Local authorities were shortlisted using a methodology based on local need, combining data on crime, deprivation and community need, and mental health. This targeted the programme’s core goals: improving mental health and wellbeing, increasing opportunities, and reducing vulnerability to crime.

49 local authorities submitted an EOI. A total of 26 local authorities were selected to participate in the programme, alongside the 8 Early Adopter local authorities. The remaining 23 were not selected at this time.

Demand for funding far exceeded that which was available, and as with any competitive process, meant that not all areas that submitted EOIs could be supported. This should not be taken as a reflection of the level of need in the area, and we recognise that areas not selected for Young Futures Hubs and Local Youth Transformation Funding also face significant challenges. We aim to support local authorities to develop connections across the region and share learnings wider so more areas can learn and benefit from this transformation programme.