Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Social Mobility

Wednesday 23 February 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government believes that circumstances at birth should not dictate life outcomes and is addressing regional disparities through the levelling-up White Paper.
  • The civil service has begun implementing socio-economic background measures since 2018, though declaration rates are insufficient for publication.
  • The Department is investing in areas with the weakest educational attainment to aid in spreading opportunity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Education Economy Employment
Context

The question arises from concerns over regional disparities that hinder social mobility in the UK.

Question

What steps are being taken to improve social mobility, given the publication of the levelling-up White Paper which aims to address regional disparities?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Government believes circumstances at birth should not dictate life outcomes. The levelling-up White Paper aims to address regional disparities, a key driver of social mobility across the UK. The paper outlines plans to increase opportunities and level up the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or measures but referenced the levelling-up White Paper generally.

How: Referred To Broad Policy Documents Without Specifics

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Q2 David Johnston
Standards & Ethics
Context

There is a lack of data on social background in the civil service's most recent diversity report, raising concerns about inclusivity and social mobility.

Question

Will my hon. Friend look into collecting data on social background within the civil service to assess its openness towards all backgrounds?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Social background is not a protected characteristic, but the civil service has begun implementing socio-economic background measures since 2018. Declaration rates are insufficient for publication; however, efforts are being made to increase these for next year's statistics.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to collecting data but acknowledged ongoing efforts and future intentions.

How: Acknowledged Limitations In Current Data Collection

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Q3 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Education Economy
Context

The Government's key education investment area will benefit the constituency of Keighley, aiming to improve life chances for young people.

Question

How will my hon. Friend's Department ensure that increasing social mobility is central to plans and the levelling-up White Paper in transforming opportunities for young people across Keighley?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

My Department is investing in areas with weakest educational attainment, aiding opportunity spread. Equality has an important role; officials work closely with Departments to encourage focused and evidence-based action.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete plans but referenced equality's importance and ongoing efforts.

How: Emphasised Equality'S Significance Without Detailing Specific Actions

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Q4 Diane Abbott Lab Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Education
Context

Concerns over the impact of proposed tuition fee funding criteria on poorer families' access to higher education.

Question

Does the Minister appreciate that some are worried about proposals requiring certain grades for access to tuition fee funding, which may disproportionately affect poorer families?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Department for Education has done an equalities impact assessment on any new policies. These assessments ensure that at-risk individuals are not prevented from pursuing education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address specific concerns about poorer families but referenced equality impact assessments in general.

How: Referred To General Impact Assessment Without Addressing Specific Worries

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Q5 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Children & Families
Context

Children from less affluent families are significantly more likely to suffer brain injuries in early childhood and adolescence, impacting their life opportunities.

Question

What will the Government do about higher rates of serious brain injury among children from poorer backgrounds compared to wealthier ones?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Unfortunately, no specific information is available on this topic. However, I will ensure that the relevant Minister writes to the hon. Member with appropriate details.

Not addressed: Did not provide any concrete action or plan but promised a written response from another Minister.

How: Promised Future Correspondence Without Addressing Current Concerns

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