Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Impact of Socio-economic Disadvantage on Future Earnings

Wednesday 9 October 2024 · 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 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial work is underway to address the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on future earnings.
  • The Government will work closely with Welsh Government partners to reflect the potential of children and young people in future earnings.
  • Discussions are being held with the Department for Communities to ensure equal pay opportunities for individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Beccy Cooper Lab Worthing West
Education Economy Employment
Context

Concern about the impact of young people's backgrounds on their future success, particularly in Worthing West.

Question

I am concerned about the steps being taken with Cabinet colleagues to tackle the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on future earnings. Coastal areas like my constituency experience lower life expectancy and higher preventable ill health due to higher levels of deprivation.

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I recognise that different communities have distinct challenges, work is under way to break the link between young people's backgrounds and their future success, but I would be happy to discuss this further with my hon. Friend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for coastal communities were not addressed

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Q2 Gill German Lab Clwyd North
Wales Children & Families
Context

Wales has been working on breaking down barriers to opportunity, but progress has been hampered due to the UK Tory Government's control over many levers of change.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend assure me that Cabinet colleagues in this Government will work closely with Welsh Government partners so that future earnings in Clwyd North reflect the potential of our children and young people?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I give my hon. Friend that assurance. We will work closely with devolved Governments to break down barriers, which is why the work on child poverty by the Secretary of State and I is crucial.

Answered
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Q3 Beccy Cooper Lab Worthing West
Community Security Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Coastal areas like Worthing West experience lower life expectancy and higher preventable ill health due to socioeconomic deprivation.

Question

What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to address the specific inequalities that coastal communities face?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

My hon. Friend is a champion for her constituents, and work is under way to ensure that background does not determine success. I am happy to discuss this further with my hon. Friend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps were not detailed

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Q4 Lisa Smart Lib Dem Hazel Grove
Women & Equalities Children & Families
Context

Young people with care experience are campaigning for their status to be classified as a protected characteristic.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and young campaigners in Hazel Grove to discuss whether the Government plan to classify care and care experience as a protected characteristic?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

We are looking carefully at what more we need to do for care-experienced young people, including through legislation. I will ensure that my colleague from the Department for Education is in touch with the hon. Lady.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting commitment was not direct

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

Discussion about ensuring equal opportunities and pay regardless of socioeconomic background.

Question

What discussions has she had with the Department for Communities to ensure that individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds have equal opportunities regarding pay?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I am happy to discuss this further. I have met my counterparts in Northern Ireland, recognising our shared challenges and wanting constructive work across devolved Governments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of discussions were not provided

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