Councils must be at the heart of solving the youth unemployment crisis, the LGA has said in response to Alan Milburn’s independent interim report on young people and work.
The former health secretary has warned of a ‘lost generation’ of young adults, with one in six set to be out of work, education or training (NEET) in five years unless action is taken.
He said young people are facing a “perfect storm” of challenges, including a decline in entry-level jobs, with nearly a million currently NEET at an estimated cost to them and society of £125 billion.
Cllr Louise Gittins, LGA Chair, said: “This review is urgent and lays bare the stark challenge of tackling the youth unemployment crisis.
“Any solution must have councils at the heart of the effort. As trusted convenors, they are already working with partners in schools, further and higher education providers, health, jobcentres, employers and the voluntary sector.
“Councils know their residents and communities and understand the needs of the local economy. They are best placed to support with early identification and prevention to get young people back on track to learning and earning.
“Key measures need to include a stronger role for local government to help ensure the local offer at post-16 improves, and a focus on a place-based integrated service that enables us to tailor provision to the needs of our local young people.”