The Labour government is spending less on youth work in England than the Conservatives did after a decade of cuts, despite the prime minister’s commitment to “backing young people”, analysis has found.

New analysis by charity UK Youth shows Labour has allocated £146.5 million for youth programmes—including £79.4 million of previously committed funds—compared with the £191.8 million pledged by the Conservative government in 2021, which included the Youth Investment Fund and the now-closed National Citizen Service.

UK Youth criticised the shortfall, warning that “warm words won’t pay for youth workers,” and described the youth sector as having been “decimated” by years of underfunding. CEO Vicky Browning said the new government must urgently reverse this trend and match or exceed previous investment to make good on its promises.