RECENTLY, I attended a meeting of Falmouth Youth Council, where we discussed what the government's plans to improve youth services could mean for young people locally. It was great to hear their ideas and how important youth provision is for them, especially living in a rural and coastal area. Their dream is a youth club in town. I have also been to Zebs in Truro, run by Young People Cornwall, who are providing fantastic provision in a building that is not fit for purpose.

This Labour government is committed to restoring youth services that were decimated during the Conservative and Libdem Coalition austerity years. Our young people have had to cope with over a decade of cuts to services they rely on, including education, SEND support and mental health provision. Local government spending on youth services fell by 73 per cent between 2010/11 and 2022/23, more than 1,000 youth centres closed, and over 4,500 youth worker roles were lost. Then Covid happened, which hit young people extra hard.

The Young Futures Hubs programme is an important part of the Labour government’s National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters, launched by culture secretary Lisa Nandy in December 2025. The strategy was co-produced with 14,000 young people through a State of the Nation survey. The survey highlighted that many young people have been left without access to safe and supportive environments or a community to belong to, while reliance on online interaction has grown in the absence of face-to-face opportunities. In response, Youth Matters sets out how young people will benefit from over £500-million of government investment, with an ambitious delivery plan to rebuild youth services over the next decade.

As part of this, this government is rolling out Young Futures Hubs. It has provided £70-million to establish 42 hubs across the country, including one here in Cornwall. They provide mental health support, skills and training, routes into employment and crime prevention services alongside wider opportunities and support. Unlike a traditional youth club, they will connect young people directly to the services that help them with the challenges they are facing.

It is a big thing for Cornwall to be getting one of the Young Futures Hubs, and the money will go to Cornwall Council. The location has not yet been decided, but Truro and Falmouth constituency makes a strong case, having the highest number of 10 to 25 year olds of any constituency in Cornwall.

Cornwall already has organisations like Young People Cornwall that deliver vital services despite operating from sub-standard premises and doing exceptional work with limited resources. Zebs provides some fantastic opportunities. It already has strong existing outreach; however, it needs investment in a more suitable building. The Dracaena Centre is also providing services in Falmouth with a fantastic youth work team.

We should be lifting our young people up. Through the long-term National Youth Strategy, this government aims to give young people a safe place, supportive adults, and a strong sense of community and belonging. Through Youth Hubs, the Halving Knife Crime plan and £400-million invested in new and upgraded community sports facilities, we are rebuilding youth services for our young people.