Chancellor John Healey’s first budget has heeded CPRMB’s call to help with the Cost of Loving. Rates relief extended to hospitality and other venues will help young men wanting to take young women or men out on dates and vice versa. The CPRMB noted in its pre-budget submission that 16–19-year-olds report the highest levels of loneliness, but a first date in London can easily cost well over £100, far outside their budgets. Along with the decoupling of the youth minimum wage, it will also support youth employment especially in moving NEETs into work. Increasing job opportunities for young people is vital. So too gaining a foot on the property ladder is vital which is why the new Your First Home scheme for young people means more will have a place of their own to bring someone back to.

Finally other welcome announcements include an additional 100,000 local apprenticeships available to local areas to employ local people. CPRMB has long argued that place-based policies must. as a priority, focus on increasing jobs for young men (and young women). Place-based apprenticeships are vital, especially so for young men, who tend to rely on apprenticeships more than their female counterparts (more of whom go on to university).

Plus the commitment to end rough sleeping. With 83% of rough sleepers being male, this is an issue that continues to do so much to so many men.

CPRMB also welcomes the commitment to reducing misogyny through the new £15 million fund for misogyny training. However, the caveat is that the design of this scheme needs careful thought. Too often well-meaning schemes designed to reduce social harms can founder on poor design of the procurement process. A strengths-based approach is vital in order for those receiving an intervention to engage with rather than ignore the messaging. And any interventions should be fully aligned with the Government’s new Relationship Sex and Health Education Guidance which came into force in September this year.

Overall, there are some positive elements in this budget for men and boys.

‍