§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many children are involved in the Young Firefighters Association in the west midlands; and what funding he has given to this organisation to assist it in expanding. [21230]
§ Dr. WhiteheadAround 400 children are involved in the Young Firefighters Association in the west midlands.
The DTLR provides an annual grant of £54,000 to the Young Firefighters Association: this funds the association's national and training officer posts. In addition, brigades are encouraged to explore funding opportunities for the Young Firefighters Associations (or similar schemes) with the regional Youth Inclusion Programmes, established by the Youth Justice Board.