26 February 2026
Local Growth Fund approach in Wales could threaten youth engagement
A Senedd Committee has warned that the Welsh Government’s approach to the new Local Growth Fund (LGF) could reduce funding, destabilise regional delivery structures and put frontline youth engagement roles at risk — including Youth Workers carrying out engagement and support under the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework (YEPF). Any disruption to this workforce could weaken early‑intervention support and affect young people’s progression into, and retention in, education, training and work.
The Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee has raised concerns that Wales may receive less funding under the new Local Growth Fund than under previous EU‑supported programmes. The Committee also highlighted uncertainty around governance and whether Corporate Joint Committees have the capacity to manage regional delivery effectively.
These issues have direct implications for the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework. YEPF Youth Workers are often funded through local authority and regional employability budgets that previously relied on EU structural funds and, more recently, the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. Reduced funding or unclear delivery structures could lead to job insecurity, loss of specialist roles and reduced capacity for targeted early intervention work.
Any reduction in YEPF capacity would have knock‑on effects for young people at risk of becoming NEET. Fewer youth workers and less stable provision could mean delays in identifying vulnerable learners, reduced one‑to‑one support and weaker coordination between schools, local authorities and Careers Wales. This risks undermining the progression pathways that help young people re-engage with learning, access careers guidance and move into trianing or employment.
The Committee’s report reinforces the need for stable, long‑term funding and clear regional planning to protect the youth engagement workforce and ensure continuity of support for young people’s progression and career development.
Read more about the Senedd Committee challenge to Welsh Government’s local growth fund approach.
The Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee has raised concerns that Wales may receive less funding under the new Local Growth Fund than under previous EU‑supported programmes. The Committee also highlighted uncertainty around governance and whether Corporate Joint Committees have the capacity to manage regional delivery effectively.
These issues have direct implications for the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework. YEPF Youth Workers are often funded through local authority and regional employability budgets that previously relied on EU structural funds and, more recently, the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. Reduced funding or unclear delivery structures could lead to job insecurity, loss of specialist roles and reduced capacity for targeted early intervention work.
Any reduction in YEPF capacity would have knock‑on effects for young people at risk of becoming NEET. Fewer youth workers and less stable provision could mean delays in identifying vulnerable learners, reduced one‑to‑one support and weaker coordination between schools, local authorities and Careers Wales. This risks undermining the progression pathways that help young people re-engage with learning, access careers guidance and move into trianing or employment.
The Committee’s report reinforces the need for stable, long‑term funding and clear regional planning to protect the youth engagement workforce and ensure continuity of support for young people’s progression and career development.
Read more about the Senedd Committee challenge to Welsh Government’s local growth fund approach.
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