Call for Evidence: National Commission on the Local Funding Gap 

Following the Young people and work: interim report, Business in the Community (BITC) and Youth Employment UK (YEUK) have launched a National Commission on the Local Funding Gap for local employment support for young people. Chaired by Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE, Chief Executive of YEUK, and Ndidi Okezie OBE, Chief Executive of BITC, and backed by Lead Patron Seetec and Strategic Partner Capita Public Services, the commission will bring together Metro Mayors, Local Councils, Skills England, the Department for Work and Pensions, and corporate leaders to secure sustainable funding for the 11-24-year-old youth pathway. 

The Commission has officially opened its national Call for Evidence. Employers, local authority leads, and procurement specialists are invited to submit best-practice case studies demonstrating where Section 106 agreements and contractual social value mechanisms have successfully been designed, measured, and evaluated to support local youth infrastructure. 

Talking about the Call for Evidence, Ndidi Okezie OBE, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said:  

Too many young people face a postcode lottery when it comes to accessing the support, skills, and opportunities they need to live full, happy, and productive lives. We can do better as a society. Business is an underutilised force for social transformation. They have a vital role to play in helping close that gap, working alongside local and national government to make sure investment in places delivers lasting social value. Through this Call for Evidence, we want to hear what is already working across the country, so we can accelerate impact by scaling what works. With collective will, it is possible to ensure a supportive pathway from education into good work for every young person in the UK.

This short survey is for employers, developers, contractors, suppliers, and business organisations that work with local authorities, combined authorities, or public sector bodies through procurement, social value commitments, planning obligations, Section 106, regeneration, infrastructure, or local employment and skills activity. 

Submissions and insights can be shared here. The survey will be open until 10 July.

ENDS

Notes to editor

For further information, please contact Polly Dacam, Senior Public Affairs and Media Officer, on 020 7566 6638.

About Business in the Community

Business in the Community (BITC) champions responsible business as essential for long term economic growth and resilience.   
 
It is the UK’s leading responsible business network, working with companies of all sizes to tackle society’s most pressing challenges from climate change and place-based community regeneration to inequality, workplace wellbeing, and inclusive growth.  
  
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 1982, BITC has over four decades of experience in engaging business and delivering measurable impact in both business and in communities through evidence-based interventions. 

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