The Youth Select Committee , which is supported by UK Parliament, gives young people the opportunity to holds inquiries and scrutinise topics that matter to them. The Committee is made up of twelve members aged between 14-19 and includes representatives from each of the devolved nations.
Following a call for evidence in 2023, the Committee heard from a range of youth organisations, government departments and charity organisations, with Disability Rights UK giving evidence on behalf of Disabled young people.
The report found that young people from marginalised communities, but particularly those from minority ethnic and Disabled backgrounds, are disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis which shows no sign of abating.
Amongst the many recommendations in the final report are:
The government should ring-fence funding for free school meals to enable consistent provision, as well as expanding the eligibility to include the 900,000 young people who are currently living in food poverty but do not meet the criteria.
The introduction of an Essentials Guarantee within Universal Credit to ensure that the basic rate covers life’s essentials, including food and bills. The Government should implement this measure and ensure it is extended to eligible young people under 25.
Young people from marginalised communities are being disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living issue, which has impeded their access to education and job opportunities. The government should commission further research into this area, and work with local authorities to provide specific help for improving access to education and employment.
Dev Sharma, Chair of the Youth Select Committee, said: “The Youth Select Committee are concerned at how far reaching the impact of the cost-of-living crisis has been on young people’s lives."
“From job prospects to accessing affordable nutritious food and sufficient mental health services, my generation is grappling with multifaceted challenges as a direct result of growing financial insecurity. Our experiences, struggles, and aspirations must inform policies that directly impact our lives. Our perspectives are not just valuable; they are essential for crafting a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”
Dan White policy and campaigns officer at DR UK, who gave evidence at the initial hearing said: “Supporting young people is paramount. Life chances, especially for those growing up with a disability are slipping away. The cost-of-living crisis is claiming Disabled lives, is decimating what little finances and hopes Disabled people have, and it is horrific that those on the cusp of life, those vying to enter society and be part of it are already being denied access and support from it."
"We already know SEN educational chances are being reduced by a lack of will and investment and that Disabled young people will be entering a housing market still woefully short of accessible housing and the opportunities for independent living.”
"A society is judged on how it treats its young people, and right now a unanimous verdict of guilty would fall upon the UK for its failure to support every young Disabled person.”