‘Cash must target hard-to-reach youth’

Funds earmarked by the Treasury for youth services must target the socially excluded, charities say.

The money, lying dormant in unused bank accounts, could amount to 1bn and will be used for youth and community services.

In his pre-budget report, chancellor Gordon Brown said 100m would go towards a volunteering scheme and there would be more funds for a national sports foundation.

But the Child Poverty Action Group warned the money was unlikely to reach those who needed it most unless policies were developed to reach the most disadvantaged.

National Children’s Bureau chief executive Paul Ennals said the funds were badly needed following the “derisory” resources outlined in the youth green paper, and said they should focus on providing informal spaces for young people.