THE NUMBER of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Newport has fallen by 80 per cent over a seven-year period, it has been revealed.

A council report shows just 1.3 per cent of pupils leaving Year 11 were NEET in 2017 - the lowest ever in the city.

It also means Newport is below the Welsh average of 1.6 per cent and has a lower percentage than Cardiff and Swansea.

The figure means the number of NEET young people has fallen by 80 per cent over a seven-year period, from 6.7 per cent in 2011.

Announcing the figures at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, council leader Debbie Wilcox praised the work of youth services in the city.

Cllr Gail Giles, cabinet member for education and skills, said the results were 'exceptional' but warned that Brexit could cause uncertainty over funding.

Funding from the European Social Fund has been used for the Inspire to Work and Inspire to Achieve projects in Newport aiming to reduce the numbers of young people not progressing into employment, education or training.

Cllr Giles told the meeting: "We are all looking at Brexit because it's so important for our young people.

"Every year we are not sure what the funding is going to be and we do not know with Brexit.

"Young people are our future."

Deputy leader Mark Whitcutt said the figures were particularly impressive after the meeting earlier heard about the financial pressures facing the council.

A report showing an indication of the council's financial forecast shows the budget has been managed well over the past year.

But Cllr Wilcox said a lack of government funding could mean "difficult decisions" having to be made.

"We know how we try to do our best to find and strain every sinew and it's awful," she said.

"This is the year we are going to have to stand and say we have not got any money to do that."

Cllr Whitcutt, cabinet member for assets, equalities and member development, said the issue was needing more resources from the UK government and also about how the Welsh Government distributed cash.

Cllr Ray Truman, member for licensing and regulation warned that the impact of Brexit could add further pressures.