GovWire

Local authorities must have regard to this statutory guidance when exercising their statutory duty to secure, so far as reasonably practicable, leisure-time activities and facilities for young people aged 13 to 19 and those with learning difficulties or disabilities aged 20 to 24.

In 2019, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport committed to review the guidance which sets out the statutory duty placed on local authorities to provide sufficient youth services for young people in their area. This updated guidance is a helpful guide which aims to support local authorities in understanding their duty as it stands today and in securing provision for young people in their area. It does not aim to standardise provision but rather to encourage local authorities to actively develop their own strategy, processes and partnerships, tailored to their local area.

The new statutory guidance has been developed taking into account views from local authorities, regional youth work units, youth providers/practitioners and young people, as well as existing and past guidance along with best practice documents.