Luton to receive nearly £180,000 for youth activities, skills and safe spaces
Young people in Luton are being promised more activities, opportunities to develop their skills and safe places to go following the announcement of nearly £180,000 in government funding.
The money will support arts, culture, sport and youth services across the town as part of the government's Youth Matters programme.
Luton’s MPs have welcomed the announcement.
Rachel Hopkins, Labour MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, said the cash would give young people “more activities they want to see, opportunities to develop their skills, and safe places to go”.
The money forms part of the government's Youth Matters Local Authority Grant, which is providing an initial £20.7 million to 60 local authorities across England.
The areas were selected using criteria including deprivation, access to community facilities, young people's satisfaction with local activities and the proportion of 16 and 17-year-olds not in education, employment or training.
Luton's funding is intended to provide more opportunities for young people to meet their peers, take part in activities and build relationships with trusted adults.
They will also be involved in deciding how the money is used.
Rachel Hopkins MP said: “Young people from across our town have the talent and passion to go far, but previous governments have failed them by underfunding opportunities in arts, culture, sport, nature, music and so much more - closing doors to their futures.
“This funding is just the beginning and I'm incredibly glad to see this Labour government backing our town's young people."
She also welcomed the funding alongside the recently opened Luton Youth Hub, which provides employment and skills support for young people who are out of work or education.
Sarah Owen, Labour MP for Luton North, said: “Every time I visit our town's amazing young people I am blown away by their drive, talent and enthusiasm. They deserve the resources and support that they need to get on - and they shouldn't have to leave Luton to get that support.”
She added: “With this support I am sure we will see many more generations of talented young people doing Luton proud.”
The announcement is the first stage of the government's £450 million Youth Matters Fund, part of its ten-year National Youth Strategy.
A wider funding programme is expected to open in spring 2027, allowing eligible local organisations to apply for support to develop activities, improve facilities and purchase equipment.