Starmer Launches 10-Year Youth Plan to Combat 'Lost Decade' of Children
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a 10-year youth plan backed by £500 million aimed at revitalising youth services and preventing what he calls a 'lost decade' for young people. The plan seeks to provide 500,000 additional young people in England access to a trusted adult outside their home via a formal programme and enhance online safety resources.
A key part of the initiative is the establishment of 70 "young futures" hubs by March 2029, funded by a £70 million programme dedicated to employing youth workers, with the first eight hubs expected to open by March next year. Additionally, a £60 million Richer Young Lives fund will support organisations delivering quality youth work and activities in underserved areas.
To further support young people's personal development, a £22.5 million initiative will enhance wellbeing, life skills, and development in up to 400 schools. The plan also allocates £15 million to recruit and train youth workers, volunteers, and trusted adults, alongside £5 million aimed at improving local partnerships, information-sharing, and digital technology to strengthen youth services.
The programme follows a state-of-the-nation survey involving over 14,000 young people, highlighting concerns around mental health, lack of community spaces, and limited opportunities. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the issues of youth isolation and the urgent need for change, noting her forthcoming discussion on the plan on Sky News.
However, the initiative has faced criticism from Conservatives, who pointed to the March decision to scrap the National Citizen Service. Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddlestone accused Labour's economic policies of damaging opportunities for young people amid high inflation.
