Committee publication · Correspondence · 17 July 2026
Correspondence from Jake Richards MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sentencing, dated 17 July 2026 relating to a consultation on the funding and oversight of youth justice services
From: Justice Committee
Summary
Jake Richards MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sentencing, announces a government consultation on reforming the national framework for oversight and funding of youth justice services in England and Wales, running 17 July to 11 September 2026. The consultation proposes a two-phase reform: introducing a new performance and oversight framework from April 2027, and reforming funding arrangements from April 2029. Changes aim to create clearer national expectations, reduce reporting burdens, and ensure funding reflects local need and complexity.
Key findings
- Consultation proposes two-phase reform: updated national oversight framework from April 2027, followed by funding reforms from April 2029.
- Current oversight arrangements are fragmented across MOJ, Youth Justice Board, and HM Inspectorate of Probation; existing National Standards do not reflect contemporary practice, early intervention, or non-linear youth journeys.
- Government proposes either refining existing phase-based National Standards (Option 1) or restructuring around thematic areas (Option 2), with new standards for victims, early intervention and prevention, and addressing disproportionality.
- Consultation seeks views on streamlining reporting requirements, introducing a new Quality Performance Framework, and clarifying partnership accountability through tiered performance measures.
- Multi-year funding for core grant and Turnaround confirmed until April 2029; longer-term proposals include updating the national funding formula to reflect local demand and complexity, and strengthening partner contributions.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Jake Richards MP, Andy Slaughter MP, Ministry of Justice, Youth Justice Board, HM Inspectorate of Probation, Local authorities, Youth offending teams, Welsh Government
Notable line
“The primary purpose of oversight will be to support local learning and self-assessment rather than just compliance, with the YJB …”
Key Quotes
“The framework is not intended to increase central control, but to provide assurance that public funding is used effectively and that children, victims and communities receive high-quality services.”
“I am confident that the proposals set out in this consultation provide a strong foundation for a more effective, outcomes-focused youth justice system, supporting local leaders to deliver high-quality, evidence-based services that improve outcomes for children and protect the public.”
“Although fewer children are entering the youth justice system, a greater proportion of those entering have complex needs, requiring more coordinated support across multiple agencies.”
“Youth justice services have told us that current arrangements do not always operate as a coherent system, making it difficult for services and partners to understand how different requirements interrelate or how overall performance is assessed and action taken.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗