LOCAL authority funding for youth services has seen its biggest annual cut in almost a decade, falling by 10 per cent in a single year, a new analysis revealed today.

Spending by councils in England dropped sharply to £419 million in 2024-25, YMCA England & Wales found.

Over the past 14 years, funding has fallen by 76 per cent in real terms, a loss of £1.3 billion since 2010-11.

In Wales, spending has declined by 29 per cent over the same period.

While 45 per cent of local authorities increased spending, the 81 councils that cut funding did so sharply, with an average reduction of 33 per cent.

YMCA warned that discretionary youth services are being squeezed as councils prioritise legal obligations like social care and Send.

The number of council-run youth centres in England fell by 11 per cent last year, with one in 12 councils now reporting no youth centres at all.

YMCA chief executive Denise Hatton said: “Behind these figures are young people losing safe spaces, trusted adults and opportunities to thrive.”

A DCMS spokesperson said: “We recognise the pressures facing local authorities and the vital role youth services play in supporting young people’s wellbeing and life chances.

“That is precisely why we have published our National Youth Strategy, which sets out our commitment to rebuilding youth provision across the country. The strategy takes a place-based approach, working with local partners to ensure young people have access to safe spaces, trusted adults and meaningful opportunities.

“We are determined to turn ambition into action, and will continue working closely with councils, voluntary organisations like YMCA, and young people themselves to deliver the change they deserve.”