MP expresses concerns over the future of outdoor education

Local MP Tim Farron has expressed concerns over the future of outdoor education centres.

During a visit to Castle Head Field Centre in Grange over Sands, the South Lakes MP praised the role of residential centres in providing young people with the opportunity grow in confidence.

However, Tim has expressed concern about the future of outdoor learning after a report published this year by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) put questions over the future over the National Citizens Service (NCS).

The PAC report declared that the NCS may no longer be justifiable unless costs can be brought down.

The Cumbrian MP has written to the government, asking them to commit to continuing the outdoor education section of the National Citizen Service.

Tim said: "Outdoor education is so important for developing young people's confidence and teamwork skills.

"In the South Lakes, we are blessed to have a number of exceptional outdoor education centres, which contribute a lot for the local economy and employ dozens of people.

"However, the current uncertainty over the funding of the National Citizen Service has seriously undermined outdoor education centres in our area.

"The centres are reliant on the NCS and for places like the Castle Head Field Centre in Grange to continue to provide top quality outdoor education to young people, we need the government to give assurances that the scheme will continue to receive funding."