UK poverty research charity
ONS data shows 981,000 young people aged 16-24 are not in education, employment or training (Neet) in April–June, a fall of 30,000 from January–March but 30,000 higher than a year ago. Milburn’s forthcoming review is expected to push for wide reforms to education, welfare and jobs support.
The TUC has called for a levy on bank profits to fund a social tariff aimed at cutting energy bills. The union movement argues ministers should move faster on cost-of-living relief as households face high energy costs and inflation.
Inflation has moved to a five‑month high of 3.1% as fuel prices and airfares climb, driven by Middle East conflict. The government has announced relief measures while stressing fiscal prudence. The Budget is six weeks away, and markets face higher borrowing costs amid a fragile headroom.
The energy price cap is expected to rise sharply in January, with Cornwall Insight forecasting a 16% increase to about £1,999 for the typical dual‑fuel bill. UK households on Ofgem tariffs face a 4% rise in October, driven by high wholesale prices amid Middle East tensions and supply disruptions.
The Poverty in Scotland 2026 report finds 21% of children and 17% of people overall remain in poverty. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation calls for a bolder, fully funded plan to eradicate child poverty; the government says progress has been made but more work is needed as ministers review targets. Local government funding and public-service reform are central to the debate.
Alan Milburn has published a long-awaited review into NEETs, proposing moving under-25s off the health element of universal credit and Pip, replacing them with a new youth allowance. The plan expands employment support and introduces new costs allowances for disabled young people, while emphasising investment in early work opportunities.