The Mayor of London has pledged to provide extra funds to struggling services for young Londoners affected by the government’s cuts. A total of £45m will be invested through the new Young Londoners Fund during the next three years.
Some of the funds will go towards projects that have already got the support of City Hall but a large chunk of it will be available for new associations and projects bidding for public funds.
The new fun will be aiming to support education, sport and cultural activities to improve the lives of young Londoners and to ensure they reach their full potential and will also aim to keep the more vulnerable sectors of the population away from crime.
The Government’s cuts have negatively affected the lives of youngsters in London when it should be their responsibility to support our future leaders. Yet it is Sadiq Khan and the Mayor’s office who are having to make up for the lack of funds.
The funds will be granted to bids focusing on sport, culture, citizenship, environment, education and volunteering and will look to alleviate the situation that young people in the areas most affected by cuts are suffering.
“It is shameful that because of this Government’s cuts, youth services across the capital have been decimated. Wherever I go in London, communities tell me that young people need more to do – and I agree,” said Sadiq Khan.
“It is sadly obvious that this Government does not value London’s young people, but I am determined to invest in them”, added the Mayor of London. “No Londoner should be left behind, and this extra money is designed to make sure all young Londoners can make the most of our amazing city. I want to end the scandal of young talent going to waste, and give all Londoners the chance to fulfil their potential.”
The Mayor has also pledged £15m to the police forces for knife and gun-related crime prevention.
> Naomi Round
