The Government have announced plans for a new National Youth Strategy, as part of the government’s mission to improve opportunity. The Strategy is intended to improve co-ordination of youth services at a regional and national level.

It will be supported by an initial £85 million in funding, alongside a further £100 million from the Dormant Assets Scheme to improve youth outcomes.

Luke Myer MP welcomed the plans, but urged the Secretary of State to ensure that young people in working-class communities are engaged in the process of developing the strategy.

He praised the work of Kylie, a teacher who works with excluded young people in Guisborough and engages them in ideas about improving youth provision.

Speaking in Parliament, Luke questioned the Government on the National Youth Strategy, calling on the Secretary of State to ensure the strategy’s consultation will involve young people. His question can be viewed here.

In response, the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed that “young people’s voices from every part of the country and every background” will be “part of the process”.

Further information from the Department confirmed that alongside a youth advisory board and engagement with youth organisations, there will be a series of face-to-face engagements with young people around the country.

Luke has a long record of supporting policy co-creation with young people, and previously called for approaches which involve young people independently “considering, deliberating and developing informed views” (2018).