£30.5 million boost for youth services in England through new Better Youth Spaces fund

Youth services in 42 local authority areas across England are set to benefit from a major funding injection, as a result of the Government's Better Youth Spaces fund.

The £30.5 million capital grants programme is aimed at improving facilities and opportunities for young people in some of the most deprived communities across the country.

You can check if your area is eligible here.

The fund is being administered by Social Investment Business and will support small-scale capital projects ranging from £5,000 to £100,000. Eligible projects include equipment purchases, minor refurbishments, and other improvements designed to enhance the quality and reach of youth services.

The funding is targeted at not-for-profit youth organisations operating in the 42 priority areas with the highest level of need; selected using the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI).

Aims of the Better Youth Spaces Programme

The initiative is designed to deliver rapid benefits to young people by improving:

• The reach and accessibility of youth activities
• The safety and condition of existing youth facilities
• The financial sustainability of youth organisations
• The capacity and quality of youth services to deliver enrichment programmes

Government and Sector Leaders Voice Support

Speaking at the launch, Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “We have heard loud and clear from young people that they need access to spaces where they can develop their talents, build confidence, and build relationships.

"As part of our Plan for Change, we are investing over £30 million directly into youth facilities across our communities this year. This will allow young people to have a supportive environment to help them make their ambitions a reality.”

Nick Temple, CEO of Social Investment Business, added: “We are excited to be partnering with DCMS to launch Better Youth Spaces to support youth services in priority areas in England.

"Through a combination of funding refurbishment projects and providing new equipment, it will create opportunities for young people to participate in a whole range of enrichment activities across sports, music and cultural activities.

This is a real boost for youth services in some of the communities which need it most, creating lasting impact for young people’s wellbeing.”

This new programme builds on the success of the £300 million Youth Investment Fund, which has already supported hundreds of youth facilities and is estimated to benefit an additional 50,000 young people.

How to Apply

Applications for the Better Youth Spaces fund opened at 10:00am on Wednesday 6 August 2025 and close on 21st September 2025.

All grants must be spent and evidenced by 30 January 2026.

Organisations can check their eligibility using the Better Youth Spaces postcode finder and apply via the official website.