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Written Question
Social Security Benefits: Young People
Friday 12th December 2025

Asked by: Baroness Shawcross-Wolfson (Conservative - Life peer)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Sherlock on 24 November (HL11931), whether the report into young people and work will also examine reasons for the increase in the number of young people with disabilities and health conditions, and if not, what plans they have to investigate the reasons for this increase.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The rising number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) is a crisis of opportunity that demands more action to give them the chance to learn or earn.

To truly address the root causes of youth inactivity, we need a deeper understanding of the barriers that disabled young people and those with health conditions face. The Report will examine the drivers behind the rise in NEET rates and economic inactivity among young disabled people and those with health conditions.

On the 4th of December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Department for Health and Social Care launched an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism.

The review will look to understand the similarities and differences between mental health conditions, ADHD and autism. It will look at prevalence, early intervention and treatment, and the current challenges facing clinical services.

The review will also seek to identify opportunities to provide different models of support and pathways, within and beyond the NHS, that promote prevention and early intervention, supplementing clinical support.


Written Question
Social Security Benefits: Young People
Monday 24th November 2025

Asked by: Baroness Shawcross-Wolfson (Conservative - Life peer)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the report into young people and work will examine the reasons behind the number of young people claiming health and disability benefits.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We recognise that some young people are struggling to find their place in work, education or training.

The report into young people and work will seek to:

  • Understand the drivers of the increase in the number of young people who are Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET) and claiming health and disability benefits, including childhood experience
  • Investigate the root causes of this rise in economic inactivity among disabled young people and those with health conditions
  • Make recommendations for policy responses aimed at increasing opportunities for young people

The Right Honourable Alan Milburn will author the report and will be supported by a range of voices with expertise from the labour market and health spheres.