YMCA Response to Autumn Budget Statement

Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales said:

“YMCA welcomes key elements of today’s budget announcements, which include positive commitments for young people, with pledges in wages, housing, education, and youth employment.

“The landmark 6.7% National Minimum Wage increase for young people and the increase of 16.3% for 18-20-year olds will boost the annual earnings of nearly 200,000 people across the country, supporting YMCA’s belief in equal pay for equal work.

“Bringing forward the biggest budget (£3.1 billion) for Affordable Homes in over a decade is much needed and will be instrumental in addressing the housing crisis and impact felt daily. This is in tandem with the £233 million allocated to homelessness prevention in 2025-26. Additional support is needed to ensure every young person has a place to call home and that homelessness becomes rare, brief and non-recurring.

“YMCA knows firsthand that quality jobs and career prospects support young people to thrive. The establishment of Youth Guarantee Trailblazers, which will test new approaches for supporting young people into employment or training, is an encouraging development to draw on great work already happening in our communities.

“This on top of getting the foundations of education right with investment in schools, free breakfast clubs and support for SEND young people is a crucial step in the right direction to give young people the best start in life and break down barriers.

“Today’s budget reflects promising steps toward supporting young people’s income, housing, education, and job pathways. However, YMCA looks forward to learning the details and collaborating with the government to ensure these commitments bring lasting change to young people and communities.”