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ROSIE COOPER MP SOUNDS ALARM OVER VAST SCALE OF CUTS TO YOUTH SERVICES UNDER THE TORIES

Immediate release:Friday 27 November

New analysis by the House of Commons Library reveals that average spending per 16-24-year-old in the North West has fallen from £152 in 2011/12 to just £54 in 2018/19 – down 64%.

Average spending per 16-24-year-old in England has fallen from £142 in 2011/12 to just £56 in 2018/19 – down 60%.

The North West, North East, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & the Humber have seen the biggest falls in spending per young person.

Further analysis reveals that while the least deprived areas saw spending fall by just over half, in the most deprived areas it fell by two thirds – above the average for the country as a whole.

Labour are warning that the Conservatives are set to break their manifesto promise to fund youth services, failing a generation of young people.

It's called on the Government to stick to their manifesto pledge to provide £500 million to youth services by April 2020, anddeliver this critical fund to prevent yet more youth centres being forced to close.

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper stated:“Youth services are a vital lifeline for young people, particularly those living in areas of deprivation. But with government cuts year on year, hundreds of youth centres have closed in every region includingprovision here in West Lancashire, leaving young people isolated at this very difficult time.

“Over a year ago the Conservatives promised to introduce the Youth Investment Fund to support youth services. Yet not one penny has materialised. Covid-19 has only worsened the perilous state youth services were already in.

“While the Tories keep breaking their promises to young people, a generation are being let down.”