UK Youth Parliament Faces Closure as Government Withholds Future Funding
The UK Youth Parliament is likely to close within months after the government decided not to commit to further funding. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) praised the organization's legacy but declined to extend grants beyond March 2027. While the body received £453,000 in recent taxpayer support, a prior review noted low public awareness and exclusion of some schools. Supporters argue it is vital for youth engagement, especially as a bill to lower the voting age to 16 progresses, while critics argue it lacks value for money. The government is currently designing a new scheme focused on under-represented groups, with announcements expected this autumn.