Shropshire Council has been selected as a pilot Pathfinder area for the Government’s Local Youth Transformation Fund (LYTF) – a move that could transform how the council supports and works alongside young people.
Just 12 councils have been selected to take part in the pilot, meaning Shropshire is one of a small number of councils nationally leading the way in rebuilding more inclusive, youth-led service provision.
Through the pilot the government is investing £8 million over 2025/26 to help ensure a local youth offer which addresses the needs of young people and supports government priorities.
The pilot will be delivered across 2025 to 2026, with all activity ending by 31 March 2026.
Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s deputy Leader and Cabinet member with responsibility for youth strategy, said:
“This is really excellent news, and recognises the council’s renewed ambition and readiness to transform youth services.
“Being selected as one of just 12 pathfinder areas is national recognition that we mean business and want to provide stronger youth services in communities across Shropshire, tackling the issues and creating real opportunities.
“The funding will help to accelerate progress, rather than start from scratch, and support the development of a more connected, community-led system. We’re keen to make good on our commitment to open up the council and embrace stronger links with our partners to deliver that change.”
Helena Williams, youth support manager with Shropshire Council, said:
“Professionally, this is a career-defining moment. It’s the kind of opportunity you hope for, to be part of something that has the power to genuinely transform how we support and work alongside young people.
“To know that Shropshire will now have the backing, the platform, and the freedom to shape something different, something better and with young people at the centre… it’s hard to describe how much joy that brings.
“We have a long road ahead but the work begins now and I can’t wait to get stuck in. To every young person in Shropshire: this is yours. Let’s build something extraordinary.”
As a Pathfinder, there will be an emphasis on working with partners in the voluntary and community sector, and with schools and town/parish councils. Young people will help shape services through new Youth Insight Panels and an Area Youth Assembly/Forum, and a new Strategic Youth Partnership will oversee delivery.
Funding allocations for Pathfinder local authorities will be based on their action plans and local needs assessments, currently being undertaken. Confirmed funding allocations will be shared by the Government in due course.
