A Lords Social Mobility Committee report warns that NEET numbers have reached nearly one million, calling this “shocking and deeply concerning”, and argues that centralised national schemes can’t address the distinct challenges faced by young people in urban, rural, coastal and post-industrial communities.

The report ‘Social mobility: Local roots, lasting change‘ recommends devolving decision-making to local authorities and expanding Youth Guarantee Trailblazers to boost job opportunities and overcome social-mobility barriers.

It also proposes several systemic reforms: raising the maintenance-loan income threshold, improving local NEET data sharing and ensuring care leavers can work without losing accommodation. On education, peers call for new functional English and Maths qualifications, improved careers advice, and a curriculum that values creative, technical and vocational routes.

The LGA supports early, preventative measures for young people at risk of being Neet. Tom Hunt, chair of LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, emphasises the need for long-term funding, including replacing the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ending in March 2026, to re-engage these youths through local government.