The Welsh Government has today published its supplementary budget, but college leaders say it fails to address what they describe as a deepening crisis in support for young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs).
ColegauCymru says the funding settlement comes at a critical moment, with colleges facing a £30 million funding shortfall from September alongside record levels of applications for courses. Leaders warn that without urgent intervention, institutions will be forced to make difficult decisions about provision and capacity at a time when demand is rising sharply.
The organisation has repeatedly raised concerns about financial pressures on the sector, warning in the last Senedd term that, without emergency funding, colleges could be unable to accommodate all learners seeking places. It says today’s budget announcement does not reflect the scale or urgency of the challenge.
ColegauCymru Chief Executive David Hangendyk, said,
"Unless we act now we risk thousands more young people carrying the scars of not having the opportunities and support that they deserve."
"We recognise the difficult choices the new government faces, but there is no more urgent and important challenge than preventing another generation of young people being lost to long term disengagement from education and the labour market."
ColegauCymru is now calling on all political parties to work together on a budget agreement that prioritises investment in young people, warning that continued inaction risks long-term harm to both individuals and the wider Welsh economy.
Further Information
Welsh Government Cabinet Statement
Written Statement: First Supplementary Budget 2026-27
23 June 2026
UK Government Independent Report
Young people and work: interim report
The young people and work report is an independent review of the increase in the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
28 May 2026
Rachel Cable, Director of Policy and Public Affairs
Rachel.Cable@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
