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Beyond the Brink?
Are Youth Services beyond the brink?
After five years of YMCA reports into consistently depleted funding levels for youth services, that’s the question we are asking in 2025.
Over the past decade and a half, youth services expenditure has been stripped to the core. There has been over £1.2 billion worth of real-terms cuts since 2010/11, with little left to be carved out.
We have seen council-run youth centres closed and youth workers’ hours reduced, which means less time is spent supporting young people.
But how has your local area been impacted?
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See how my community is impacted.
Looking ahead
With many councils in England struggling financially, the future is troubling. Many local authorities have severe budgetary constraints, some even declaring themselves bankrupt, risking further cuts to youth services.
But there is a glimmer of hope: The National Youth Strategy. The new UK Government has started work on a National Youth Strategy, co-produced with young people—a vital step and a long-campaigned call to action from YMCA.
This is a once-in-a-generation chance to reshape the experiences and opportunities available to young people and ensure they have the proper long-term, sustainable investment they need.
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Every young person should have access to youth services in their area, all year round.
Learn more about the campaign
Find out how your local area has been impacted by cuts to youth services with our interactive map.
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Long-term revenue funding
A universal youth work offer that has genuine long-term sustainable revenue funding. The Government should provide ring-fenced revenue funding for universal and open-access youth services for all young people, all year round.
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Targeted services
A targeted youth development offer for the most at-risk young people
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Youth voice
Youth voice and representation at all levels of policy and decision-making: opportunities for young people and youth-led organisations to participate in the design and delivery of policy and services that impact young people and local youth partnerships.
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Duty placed on local authorities
A clearer statutory duty on local authorities to deliver youth services.
"Attending YMCA has made a real difference to my life." - Sam, YMCA Essex
