Becoming a citizen might have its costs, dependent on who you are, where you live…? As for the Field Studies Council –  why is this outfit an expensive option? Your better insights welcomed.  Ta to Sue Atkins for the link.

While you’re musing, don’t miss Tania’s critique of National Citizen’s Service in the latest Youth & Policy.

Question in the House

Tessa Jowell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office which National Citizen Service pilot projects charge participants to take part; and how much each such project charges per participant. [54974]

Mr Hurd: 12 providers are running National Citizen Service (NCS) pilots in 2011. The NCS pilot programme aims to test a range of different approaches to the delivery of the core NCS programme. One of the dimensions we are seeking to test is the impact of levying a small charge on participants. Half of the 2011 pilot providers are levying a charge for participation while the other half are not. Those providers levying a charge offer a range of discounts and bursaries, and are required to ensure that financial cost is not a barrier to participation for any young person who wishes to take part. The maximum charges by NCS provider are shown in the following table.

Pilot provider	Charge?	Maximum charge (£)
Bolton Lads and Girls Club	Yes	20
Catch22	Yes	50
Challenge Network	Yes	50
Connexions Cumbria	No	—
Field Studies Council	Yes	95
Football League Trust	Yes	50