As a Labour Councillor, I find myself reflecting on the urgent need for the Labour Government’s upcoming spending review to chart a clear path towards significantly greater investment in youth work—an investment that is long overdue and absolutely critical for our communities.

The story of youth services over the past decade and a half is one of devastating decline. Since 2010, under successive Tory Governments, funding for youth services has been slashed by 73%, resulting in the closure of more than a thousand council-run youth centres and the loss of thousands of trained youth workers. These cuts have left a generation of young people without the guidance, safe spaces, and positive opportunities that youth work once provided. The consequences have been profound, and we are now facing a public health crisis among young people, with rising rates of mental health problems, increased substance abuse, and more young people drawn into crime and anti-social behaviour.

The erosion of youth services has not only removed vital support networks but has also stripped away the preventative work that used to help young people navigate challenges before they escalated. With fewer places to turn, many young people are left isolated and vulnerable, their problems often spiralling out of control. We’ve seen a dramatic fall in the number of young people accessing addiction treatment—down by 40% since 2014/15—and a worrying rise in issues like knife crime and exclusion from education or employment. This isn’t just a failure of policy; it’s a moral failing that has real, lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities.

Here in Liverpool, we’re determined to do something about it. Under Liverpool Labour, we are using public health funding to invest over £500,000 this year to rebuild our youth worker team. This is a crucial first step in restoring the support and guidance that so many young people have lost. Our commitment goes beyond this immediate investment; we’ve recently awarded over £100 million in contracts to enhance services for children and young people, focusing on early intervention, integration, and inclusivity. These efforts are making a difference on the ground, providing a lifeline to vulnerable young people and their families.

But while local action is essential, it’s not enough. The scale of the challenge we face demands a national response. The upcoming Labour Government’s spending review must outline a clear, long-term plan for investment in youth work. Initiatives like the National Youth Strategy and the use of the Dormant Assets Scheme are positive steps, but after 15 years of cuts, much more is needed. Labour’s pledges—including £85 million for the Youth Guarantee and £95 million for Young Futures Hubs—are welcome, but these must be the start of a sustained commitment to rebuilding youth services and the workforce.

Ultimately, investing in youth work is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. Research shows that for every £1 spent on youth work, the wider benefits to society are at least £3.20, through improved health, reduced crime, and greater employability. The age of austerity has left deep scars on our communities, but with the right investment, we can turn the tide. Liverpool Labour is doing its part; now it’s time for the Government to step up and ensure that every young person, no matter where they live, has access to the support and opportunities they deserve.