Social Mobility 2022-03-30
2022-03-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about the government's approach to social mobility and its effectiveness in improving life outcomes for individuals based on their birth circumstances.
What steps the Government are taking to improve social mobility. The Government believe that the circumstances of a person's birth should not determine life outcomes.
The Government recently published their levelling up White Paper to address regional disparities across the UK and put more money into the pockets of those who need it most. We are also bolstering the Social Mobility Commission by appointing new commissioners to improve public understanding of how opportunity is created and made accessible to all.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for steps being taken was not directly addressed with concrete actions or timelines.
We Recently Published Our Levelling Up White Paper
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned that the focus on social mobility has been about a person's identity rather than their abilities and contributions.
Can the Minister confirm that we will consign that approach to history, and instead focus on what everyday people can offer the country and ensure that they have the opportunity that they deserve?
My hon. Friend is right: social mobility is very much about the individual. The Government are taking a new approach to equality which goes beyond the protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010 and also takes account of socioeconomic and regional disparities.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for confirming a shift in focus was not directly addressed with concrete actions or timelines.
We Are Taking A New Approach To Equality
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about family finances, especially in low-income families, which are exacerbated by the cost of childcare.
Social mobility is a laudable aim that everyone in the House agrees with, but this week I was shocked to see Action for Children report that nearly half of children surveyed from low-income backgrounds say that they worry about their families' finances. That kind of stress will help no child to do well at school and will help no child to succeed.
I have another role as Minister for Levelling Up Communities, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities recently invested £300 million in a flagship programme to support the families who need help the most. The hon. Lady will have heard from other Ministers in various Departments what we have been doing about the cost of living.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for details on working across Government and helping parents with childcare costs was not directly addressed.
I Refer Her To Their Statements
Response accuracy