Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Social Mobility: Young People

Monday 4 September 2023 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department is taking steps to improve social mobility among young people through specialised support via the DWP youth offer and extended Jobcentre support for people in work and on low incomes.
  • A youth hub in partnership with YouthBuild Ventures is serving the constituency mentioned, providing tailored support to help young people build confidence and access local jobs.
  • The Minister is working with Walsall College on place-based tailored employability support for the area, including the opening of a new youth hub in Walsall.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Eddie Hughes Con
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

None provided, but the question addresses general issues of social mobility.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to improve social mobility among young people.

Answer from Mims Davies

Every day, our work coaches help people of all ages and all backgrounds to overcome barriers, build their confidence and move into and progress in work. For young people, we have specialised support via the DWP youth offer. We have extended our Jobcentre support for people in work and on low incomes, helping them to increase their earnings, to move into better-paid, quality jobs and to improve their prospects through in-work progression.

Partly answered

How: Working With Partners

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Q2 David Evennett Con
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question follows from a previous discussion on social mobility, focusing specifically on the MP's constituency of Bexleyheath and Crayford.

Question

What are the Government doing to ensure that young people in my constituency have the jobs they need and greater opportunities to succeed?

Answer from Mims Davies

As part of the DWP youth offer, we have a youth hub serving my right hon. Friend's constituency, working in partnership with YouthBuild Ventures, to help young people to build their confidence with tailored wraparound support and to move into local jobs.

Answered
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Q3 Eddie Hughes Con
Education Employment
Context

The question addresses the specific issue of degree apprenticeships as a means to improve social mobility by providing an alternative route to employment without incurring high education costs.

Question

Degree apprenticeships are a great way for those who are socially less well off to get into employment and avoid the costs associated with getting a degree through other routes, so what steps is the Minister taking to help more people achieve that ambition?

Answer from Mims Davies

My hon. Friend will be pleased to see a new youth hub open in Walsall shortly, and that our work coach has been working with Walsall College on place-based tailored employability support for his area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Degree apprenticeships specific ask was not addressed

How: Working With Partners

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Q4 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Housing Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question addresses a specific concern about the lack of affordable housing for young people due to high house prices, which limits their ability to find employment and contribute to the local economy.

Question

Will the Minister make the Lake district and the Yorkshire dales special pilot areas to ensure that the only homes we build there are affordable ones for people who will make their lives there, work and contribute to our economy?

Answer from Mims Davies

In the meantime, we have recruited at the DWP 37 progression leads who will work locally with employers and jobcentres to sort that progression and retention challenge, but I think some of his questions are for a different Department.

Not addressed: Affordable housing specific ask was not addressed

How: Some Of His Questions Are For A Different Department

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