City youth services to receive extra funding

Music lessons, youth clubs, guides and scouts will benefit from the government funding, which was announced at this music centre on Thursday

Peterborough could be home to the region's first "youth zone" and has ambitions to become a "child-friendly" city, according to the local authority, which is set to receive funding under a new government initiative.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says money for young people's activities will be made available across the country, to be used for things such as youth clubs and music.

A share of the £88m is set to go to Peterborough City Council.

Although the exact amount the city will get has not been revealed, Katy Cole, the authority's cabinet member for children's services, said the council was "absolutely delighted" to have secured the funding.

Katy Cole says the hope is to establish a "youth zone" which will include access to sports and the arts

The government said on Thursday that the money would be used to support projects for children "growing up in a digital world" by offering more opportunities in their communities.

Peterborough City Council, which is run by a minority Labour administration, said it would work to draw up an action plan to develop "high-quality" offerings for young people.

Leader Dennis Jones said: "Too many people have told us for too long that there is nothing for young people to do.

"As a former youth and community worker, I see our government's announcement as a truly positive initiative that complements all we wish to see for our children and young people."