HC Deb 08 January 2002 vol 377 cc712-3W
Vernon Coaker

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to encourage youth councils at a local level; and if she will make a statement. [23326]

Mr. Denham

On 2 November, I published "Learning to Listen: Core Principles for the Involvement of Children and Young People." It commits Government Departments to increase 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 councils provide one way to help achieve this. The funding we are making available through the new "Transforming Youth Work Development Fund" will provide additional resources to support the drive for 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.