Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Rejected
Paragraph: 52
Establish an overarching funding structure and dedicated pot for all Youth Hubs
Recommendation
We welcome the expanded funding in Spring Budget 2023 for Youth Hubs. DWP need to establish an overarching funding structure and dedicated funding pot for Youth Hubs. DWP must also undertake an analysis of existing Youth Hubs to establish good practice and cost effectiveness. Knowledge and lessons learned should be shared with new centres.
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the call for an overarching funding structure and dedicated pot for Youth Hubs, highlighting that various existing funding mechanisms are already utilised. However, it confirmed that a Process Evaluation and impact assessment of the Youth Offer are underway, with findings to be shared internally to inform future improvements.
Paragraph Reference:
52
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Youth Hubs are run in partnership with, and are hosted in the premises of, partner organisations. Where appropriate, partners can submit a grant application to receive funding to support the operational running of a Youth Hub. However, not all Youth Hubs are supported by grant funding and others will have identified alternative funding, such as Community Renewal Funds, to establish Hubs. The Youth Offer is subject to a Process Evaluation, with full findings expected by late 2023. The evaluation plans involve hearing from young people from a range of backgrounds and circumstances, and those that work with them, on the services they receive via Youth Hub and jobcentres to understand their effectiveness and enable us to make improvements as appropriate. There are plans for an impact assessment of the effectiveness of the Youth Offer. The findings of both evaluations will inform any improvements or future changes to the Youth Offer policy and will be shared internally with those involved in the delivery of the Youth Offer. Early in the development of Youth Hubs we engaged with West Midlands Combined Authority and Impetus in their development of a Blueprint for Hubs. Internally we have regular Youth Steering Group meetings, with colleagues from across service delivery, to support sharing of best practice, identification of areas for improvement and discussions on future Youth Hub strategy. Where appropriate we have also attended Youth Hub networks led by external partners to hear feedback and learn about best practice in terms of supporting young people across the country.