As a father, I want to know that the world which we pass onto future generations is one in which they will be safe, happy, and healthy. I know only too well how important it is to create better futures for young people. I am in conversation with our elected members of the youth parliament and I welcome your feedback on this subject.
Improved Schools Funding:
The Government has published provisional school and high needs funding allocations for 2021-22 – the second year of a three-year funding commitment. In Wolverhampton South West, total funding for all schools will increase by 4.8% in 2021-22. This means that the total funding for schools in 2021-21 will stand at £65,601,869. Under National Funding Formula arrangements, per pupil funding will increase by 3.4% in Wolverhampton South West on average. The minimum per pupil funding levels will ensure that every primary school receives at least £4,000 per pupil, and every secondary school at least £5,150 per pupil.
Youth Investment
In Parliament, I asked Ministers what plans are in place to provide investment opportunities for replicating the successful youth inclusion model pioneered by the Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton. I am pleased that Ministers agreed with me that all young people should have access to high-quality youth services regardless of where they live. The youth investment fund will enable the development and expansion of capital resources, including buildings and mobile facilities for harder-to-reach areas, alongside investment for positive activities across the country.
Skills, Education and Training
It is clear that children and young people face great challenges as a result of Coronavirus. I am working with the Government and local organisations to give young people a better start through investment in training and employment. I am delighted that a fresh and innovative package of support has been announced by the Chancellor, with particular focus on helping young people. In addition to a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme to create hundreds of thousands of subsidised jobs for those aged 16-24, the Chancellor has announced a tripling of investment in traineeships for 2020-21 and £2,000 to businesses for each new under-25 apprentice hired. This is combined with an injection of £32 million into the National Careers Service to provide advice to a further quarter of a million young people. The Prime Minister has announced the Opportunity Guarantee so that every young person has the chance of an apprenticeship or an in-work placement.
