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 am working with leaders from across our city to create a brighter, better future for young people. This includes delivering more funding for local schools and building better training and employment opportunities. By delivering on this plan, we will be levelling up opportunities and unlocking the potential of our young people.
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. Schools in the constituency have been allocated more than £1 million in Covid-19 catch-up funds.
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. More details here.
Find out more about my work on this issue via the articles below:
