Overview

The Youth (Services and Provisions) Bill mandates the Secretary of State to promote and secure adequate youth services in England. It requires local authorities to establish youth partnerships involving young people, create youth strategies, and monitor service effectiveness. The bill aims to improve young people's personal development, community involvement, and access to opportunities.

Description

This bill establishes a duty on the Secretary of State to promote and secure youth services, leading to the creation of a National Youth Board to advise on standards and resource allocation. Local authorities must:

• Establish local youth partnerships including young people, parents, providers, and local representatives.
• Develop and regularly update youth strategies outlining services, participation initiatives, and resource allocation.
• Monitor and evaluate youth services, incorporating young people's feedback, and report annually to the National Youth Board.
• Ensure sufficient, qualified youth workers with appropriate training.

The bill defines "young people" as those aged 13-18, plus those up to 25 needing youth service support. "Relevant local authorities" are county and unitary authorities in England.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government expenditure. While precise figures are unavailable from the provided text, it will cover the Secretary of State's costs in implementing the Act, including the National Youth Board, and potentially increased funding to local authorities for youth services.

Groups Affected

• Young people (11-25): Direct beneficiaries, with improved access to services and increased participation in decision-making.
• Local authorities: New responsibilities for establishing partnerships, developing strategies, and providing services, potentially increasing their workload and budget.
• Youth service providers (voluntary, community, and other organizations): Increased opportunities for collaboration and funding, subject to meeting the standards set by the National Youth Board.
• Youth workers: Potential increase in job opportunities, subject to meeting new qualification standards and training requirements.
• Government: Increased expenditure to fund the National Youth Board and support local authorities.

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