Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help improve access to employment opportunities for young people in Basildon.

With around one million young people not in education, employment and training, this Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. The government is investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy, supporting almost one million young people and creating up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.

Young people in Basildon will benefit from the full breadth of Youth Guarantee support, including earlier intensive support in Jobcentres through a new Youth Guarantee Gateway, alongside additional work experience and training opportunities. We are also supporting employers to create more opportunities for young people, including through a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment. For eligible long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds we will provide a fully funded six-month job.

We are also expanding Youth Hubs to more than 360 areas across Great Britain, ensuring every young person aged 16-24, including those not claiming benefits, has access to opportunities and tailored support in their local area. A core service blueprint will guarantee high-quality, holistic support including mental health, housing, essential and vocational skills, and employer engagement at every Youth Hub.

The Basildon Youth Hub opened on 30^th September 2026 at Signpost Unit 48, The Unity Centre, 86 Eastgate Centre, Basildon, SS14 1AF, providing young people locally with a route into employment support and opportunities.