Impact of Socio-economic Disadvantage on Future Earnings

Gill German (Clwyd North) (Lab) and Dr Beccy Cooper (Worthing West) (Lab) asked the Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, what steps the Government is taking to tackle the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on future earnings. In her response, the Minister stated that the Government is committed to breaking the link between young people's backgrounds and their future success. She expressed pride in leading the government's "opportunity mission" to ensure that every child can thrive in education and achieve their ambitions, regardless of their background. Gill German followed up, seeking assurance that the Cabinet will work closely with the Welsh Government to address the barriers to opportunity that have hampered progress in Clwyd North over the past 14 years under a "UK Tory Government." The Minister provided that assurance, highlighting the crucial work on child poverty being led by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and herself. Dr Cooper raised the specific challenges faced by coastal communities, such as Worthing West, which experience lower life expectancy and higher preventable ill health due to higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation. The Minister acknowledged the distinct challenges faced by different communities and expressed willingness to discuss the matter further. Lisa Smart (Hazel Grove) (LD) asked the Minister to meet with her and young people from her community who are campaigning for care experience to be classified as a protected characteristic. The Minister responded that the government is looking carefully at what more can be done to support care-experienced young people, both through legislation and other means, and that the Minister for Children and Families will be in touch with the MP. Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP) asked about the Minister's discussions with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland to ensure equal opportunities in pay, regardless of where people grew up. The Minister acknowledged the shared challenges and expressed a desire to work constructively with the devolved governments on areas of concern, though she noted that she did not fully catch the details of the question and offered to discuss it further.