Local authority funding for youth services in England has fallen 10% over the past year. YMCA analysis shows councils spent £419 million on youth services in 2024/25, down from £492 million the previous year. This is the steepest annual drop in eight years, leading to fewer council-run youth centres.

The charity’s positive findings include an increase in centres run by other organisations from 295 to 432. Fewer local authorities reported no youth centres, down from 16% in 2023/24 to 8% in 2024/25. However, it’s concerning that one in eight local authorities in England still lack dedicated spaces for young people.

Denise Hatton, chief executive of YMCA England & Wales, said: “Behind these figures are young people losing safe spaces, trusted adults, and opportunities to thrive. A 10% cut in a single year shows just how fragile youth services have become, and from a budget already stripped to the bone.”

See also: Youth work ‘black holes’ in half of all council areas in England, study finds