Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Answer of 26 March 2015 to Question 228861, what mechanism her Department has in place to master those areas of the country which have higher than average levels of 16 and 17 year olds not in education or training.

At the end of 2014 the proportion of 16 and 17 year olds in England not in education and training fell to 6.4% - its lowest level since consistent records began and 3.0ppt lower than at the end of 2010. This means that more young people have the opportunity to gain the skills and qualifications to reach their potential. Local Authorities (LAs) have a statutory duty to support and encourage young people to participate, and to secure sufficient suitable education and training for all young people - they can access guidance and advice on this from the Government and from one another. Government funded schemes such as the Youth Contract and Youth Engagement Fund pilots are available to support the participation of young people, along with other support from schools and colleges - and via European Social Fund provision and pilots for Jobcentre Plus to support young people to access local employment and training opportunities.