Lib Dems help young people in Newcastle with £4.5m of funding

Newcastle is set to benefit from at least £4.5 million of extra funding via Nick Clegg's Youth Contract employment programme, introduced by Lib Dems in government. This money will go even further as it will be used to secure an extra £3.4m match funding from EU funds to promote employment.

This is good news as improving youth employment levels is an important issue in the North East. The funding will help to create a network of employment advisors who will work with businesses to help encourage them to take on more young people. It's hoped that this initiative will help to create up to 6000 new jobs and give help and support to up to 11000 young people. Of course, there is also an important challenge in making sure that school and college leavers have suitable skills and qualifications - and the Lib Dem Pupil Premium is investing millions more in Newcastle's schools to boost educational attainment.

This funding to tackle youth unemployment on Tyneside is very welcome, but Labour don't like to mention that Nick Clegg and Lib Dems in government are delivering extra resources to boost employment in the North East

Newcastle Lib Dem Opposition councillors will now keep the pressure on Newcastle City Council to spend the money wisely and ensure it delivers improved employment outcomes for young people. An initial Newcastle-Gateshead pilot scheme aimed at 16-17 school leavers has performed well, but Gateshead council has delivered significantly better outcomes than Newcastle council. We will seek to ensure Newcastle council raises its game as a result of this extra cash!