Baroness Prashar (CB)

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Manningham-Buller, and her committee for producing this very thoughtful and focused report. The committee’s focus on education and training opportunities for 16 to 18 year-olds is pertinent, as is its recommendation regarding local leadership, given the regional disparities. While the Government’s response is encouraging, it is, however, disappointing that they are not keen on the expansion of youth guarantee trailblazer pilots or expanding their remit to become pilots on social mobility. I take this opportunity to highlight the importance of literacy as a determinant for social mobility, and the effectiveness of place-based approaches. The link between social mobility and socioeconomic status and low literacy in the UK is profoundly strong and intergenerational. Despite numerous government strategies, the situation has persisted for 50 years. Research shows that children’s lives, from their earliest moments, are shaped by characteristics of neighbourhoods and local circumstances. Based on this research, the National Literacy Trust—which I co-founded, and of which I now serve as president—has for several years advocated for place-based solutions through 12 hubs in local areas. Through these hubs, it has worked with multiple stakeholders to galvanise the whole community to improve local levels of literacy and help drive social mobility. This approach also ensures sustainability. Based on this experience, I urge the Government to take the committee’s emphasis on place seriously. To achieve social mobility and inclusion, the importance of literacy skills should not be underestimated. Lack of literacy skills can be traced back to early years, and an early literacy deficit affects future life chances. A focus on literacy skills, particularly during early years, should be given a priority, as these skills are a crucial determinant in enabling acquisition of education and social mobility. This is not a criticism of the fact that committee did not look at this area; I am just highlighting the importance of the link between taking advantage of education at later stages and this ability. I look forward to the response from the noble Baroness.