YMCA responds to statistics that show falling levels of youth services funding in England and Wales.
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of the national council of YMCAs in England and Wales, said: “Figures released today are proof that youth services continue to be a frequent and easy target for local authorities looking to make savings in reduced budgets.
“A funding fall of £99.1 million over the past 12 months in England added to the loss of one in five youth workers’ jobs in Wales in 2015-16 shows that councils are focussing on short-term solutions that, unless checked, will cause significant long-term harm to both young people and communities.
“That is why YMCA continues to be vocal in calling for greater statutory protection of universal youth services. We know from our experience working with 230,000 young people a year that these services and activities give young people the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed in life as well as contribute and thrive in their communities.”
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