Jeff Smith, the MP for Manchester Withington has welcomed the Government’s National Youth Strategy, designed to put the views of young people at the centre of decision making on policies that affect them. 

Since 2010, local authority spending on youth has reduced by 73 percent, which equates to over £1 billion less being spent on young people each year. 

With the launch of the National Youth Strategy, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working across Government to put young people back in charge of their own destiny, ensuring that they have access to meaningful choices and chances. 

The Government are calling for young people to contribute to the development of the National Youth Strategy. Young people can provide feedback to the Government by completing the form on the following webpage: 

https://www.iwill.org.uk/NYS-Deliver-You/

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said: 

“We are handing power back to young people and their communities, giving them a genuine opportunity to help make the policies that affect their lives. 

“We want to hear from young people directly and we are launching one of the most ambitious listening exercises for a generation- Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Nation. 

“We are providing young people with a genuine voice, delivering on our Plan for Change and creating opportunities in every part of the country.” 

Minister for Civil Society, Stephanie Peacock, said: 

“We are breaking down the barriers to opportunity that young people face and giving them the chance to have their say- on what they want from the Government and how public policies can work fro them. 

“I encourage all young people to fill in the survey and tell us what you think so you can help shape a brighter future for you and your generation.” 

Jeff Smith, MP for Manchester Withington, said: 

“I am pleased to support the Government’s development of the National Youth Strategy to ensure that young people across the country have access to the opportunities they need. 

“The Government has launched a national survey, which I’m encouraging young people in Manchester Withington to contribute to. This will help to ensure that Government have access to a broad range of views ahead of shaping the strategy.”

“It is important that youth services have the support they need from Government, and that young people have a say in the opportunities that could well shape their futures.”