P-05-787 Save the Future Generation of Wales – Correspondence from the Petitioner to the Committee, 14.01.18

Thank you very much for the opportunity to respond to the current debate on my petition.

Firstly, I am very pleased with the fact that the financial aspect of youth work has been included as a part of the reviewing process of Extending Entitlement and the involvement of the Youth Work Reference Group in the process including clarifying the contents of public consultation. As it is emphasised in the latest two correspondences of the Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, it is important to clarify the current circumstances and consider how the Welsh Government creates policies and strategies for youth work with an effective approach. The establishment of a new National Youth Support Services Board would be seen as a wholistic approach as the Board would not only be responsible for financial aspect of youth work, but also implement the reviewing process of Extending Entitlement and shape the National Youth Work Strategy when it is established. Considering these elements, I would like the committee to allow the Minister to spend sufficient amount of time to find the most effective way for supporting young people in Wales.

Secondly, I am satisfied that the committee is now informed by the Minister of a fact that £21.9 million, which is equivalent to 1% of total standard spending assessment, was allocated to youth work in Wales. I also confirmed the fact above with a document, ‘Welsh Local Government Revenue Settlement 2017-2018 Background Information for Standard Spending Assessments’. It is stated on page 21 that £21,932,000 was allocated to youth work service between 2017-2018 with Indicator Based Assessments (IBAs). I personally regard that it is quite meaningful for the committee to understand how much financial resources are currently spent on youth work in Wales in a large picture for the further consideration on my petition.