§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what effort he has made to encourage the creation of youth forums in each region; and if he will make a statement. [29971]
§ Mr. DenhamI have been asked to reply.
In November 2001 I published "Learning to Listen: Core Principles for the Involvement of Children and Young People". It commits Government Departments to increasing opportunities for children and young people to have a bigger say about policies and services relevant to them across Government and in their communities. Youth forums provide one way to help achieve this.
Both the Children's Fund and the Connexions Service provide financial and other support to local youth forums. The funding we are making available through the new "Transforming Youth Work Development Fund" will provide additional resources to promote increased participation, help to ensure there is enhanced youth work provision to underpin it, and contribute to our efforts to increase young people's engagement with local democracy.
The Government also support the initiative being spearheaded by the Local Government Association and the National Youth Agency, "Hear by Right", that fosters the active involvement of children and young people in decision making within their communities.
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