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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many (a) participants and (b) people who have completed the National Citizenship Service received financial assistance for the £50 application fee since that service was introduced.

Social mix is at the core of National Citizen Service. DCMS and NCS Trust take great care to ensure that all young people, regardless of background, are able to take part in the programme. The cost of participation is up to £50. Partial and full bursaries are provided on a means-tested basis for young people whose families are unable to meet the cost.

NCS Trust was established in 2013. Between 2013 and 2015, NCS Trust data shows that 136,514 participants received some financial assistance. The completion rate for this group was in line with the national average with over 90% completing the programme.

Data is not available for 2011-2012 when the programme was run by Cabinet Office.