Town halls’ spending on youth services has been slashed by 70% under the Tories, Labour has claimed.
Some £880million has been cut in real terms once inflation is stripped out since 2010, Jeremy Corbyn will say on a visit.
The figures come from the party’s analysis of Government data detailing spending by English local authorities on services for young people.
Nearly nine out of 10 councils slashed spending by at least 50%, and half of councils cut their cash outlay per young person by more than 75%, Labour says.
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On average, councils have cut spending on youth services by £70 per child since 2010/11, the party adds.
Just two councils – Labour-controlled Islington and Camden, both in London – increased per-head spending.
At the same time, funds pumped into youth justice – where councils work with young people to reduce re-offending and keep them out of the criminal justice system in the first place – have also been cut by 45% since 2010.
Mr Corbyn, who today visits an educational activity centre in Yorkshire, said: “Youth services play an absolutely vital role in our communities, both by helping young people fulfil their potential and by keeping them out of trouble.
“Austerity is pushing our services to the brink and tearing the heart out of our communities..
“Cuts have consequences, and not only have the Tories betrayed a generation of young people; these cuts are creating the conditions in which crime can thrive.
“Labour in government will introduce legislation to guarantee quality youth services for all of our young people and we will give our councils the funding they need to invest in our public services.”
