David Ruffley MP has today written to Councillor Patricia O'Brien, Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Young People's Services at Suffolk County Council, highlighting a £51,359 grant for a 'youth-friendly' website to promote positive activities for young people in Suffolk.

The grant is the first step in increasing young people's involvement in positive activities and establishing and promoting the activities that are available within the county.

David has asked Councillor O'Brien to explain what the County Council's detailed plans are for this grant and what consideration the Council have given to two further measures announced by the Chancellor in the March budget; the Youth Media Fund, a £6 million fund to involve disadvantaged young people in media projects, and the Youth Challenge Fund, a £2 million fund to reward and give recognition to young people for innovative projects developed through the Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds.

David said:

'This £51,000 grant is good news for Suffolk and I will continue to fight for a fair share of Government funding for our county.

'The intention of this grant is to establish a Suffolk website that promotes the participation of young people in positive activities.

'I am interested to learn what plans the County Council has for this grant and I have, therefore, written to Councillor Patricia O'Brien, Portfolio Holder for Young People's Services, asking what consideration the Council has given to this and other Government initiatives promoting activities for young people in Suffolk.'