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To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June 2026, to Question 9890, on Equality, whether she plans to undertake a public consultation on the statutory guidance on the socio-economic duty.
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June 2026, to Question 9890, on Equality, whether she plans to undertake a public consultation on the statutory guidance on the socio-economic duty.
This Government is committed to commencing the socio-economic duty. We are currently working towards commencement, which includes drafting statutory guidance that will clarify how the duty can be applied effectively. As part of this process and to maintain pace, we are engaging directly with listed public bodies to ensure the guidance supports them effectively.
A Westminster Hall debate on Regional accents and social mobility will take place on Wednesday 15 July 2026 . The debate will be led by Jo Platt MP.
A Westminster Hall debate on Regional accents and social mobility will take place on Wednesday 15 July 2026 . The debate will be led by Jo Platt MP.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 23 June (HL740), what occupational socio-economic classification the Office for National Statistics and the Social Mobility Commission applies to (1) Ministers of the Crown, and (2) the Prime Minister.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 23 June (HL740), what occupational socio-economic classification the Office for National Statistics and the Social Mobility Commission applies to (1) Ministers of the Crown, and (2) the Prime Minister.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.
Please see the letter attached from the Permanent Secretary for the Office for National Statistics.
Baroness Finn
House of Lords
London
SW1A 0PW
1 July 2026
Dear Lady Finn,
As Permanent Secretary of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 23 June (HL740)[1], what occupational socio-economic classification the Office for National Statistics and the Social Mobility Commission applies to (1) Ministers of the Crown, and (2) the Prime Minister (HL1331).
The ONS classifies Ministers of the Crown and the Prime Minister to the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 code 1112, which corresponds to ‘Elected officers and representatives’. Under the simplified National Statistics Socio-economic classification (NS-SEC) framework, this occupation is classified as analytic class 1: Higher managerial, administrative, and professional occupations.
There are 8 analytic classes in the NS-SEC used by the ONS. The Social Mobility Commission group these into 5 categories, as per Table 1 in the supporting Annex below.
Yours sincerely,
Darren Tierney
Annex
Table 1: NS-SEC analytic classes and Social Mobility Commission groups
NS-SEC analytic classes | Social Mobility Commission categories |
1. Higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations | Higher professional and managerial |
2. Lower managerial, administrative and professional occupations | Lower professional and managerial |
3. Intermediate occupations | Intermediate |
4. Small employers and own account workers | |
5. Lower supervisory and technical occupations | Higher working class |
6. Semi-routine occupations | |
7. Routine occupations | Lower working class |
8. Never worked, unemployed, and not elsewhere classified |
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent progress she has made towards implementing the socio-economic duty under section 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent progress she has made towards implementing the socio-economic duty under section 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
This Government is committed to ensuring that everyone, no matter their background, can thrive. To support this, we will commence the socio-economic duty on public bodies in Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010. We are currently working toward commencement of the duty, which includes drafting statutory guidance that will clarify how the duty can be applied effectively. As part of this process, we are working with listed public bodies to ensure the guidance supports them effectively.
Baroness Morris’s inquiry into white working-class children has identified how, from early years to future jobs, white British boys on free school meals are falling well behind. How will Ministers, with all the reviews going on and all the work under way, review and incorporate this inquiry’s findings into their work, particularly in relation to jobs and skills?
Baroness Morris’s inquiry into white working-class children has identified how, from early years to future jobs, white British boys on free school meals are falling well behind. How will Ministers, with all the reviews going on and all the work under way, review and incorporate this inquiry’s findings into their work, particularly in relation to jobs and skills?
I welcome my hon. Friend’s question. The report published today is really important, and it shows the lack of opportunity for white working-class children at schools. Our agenda of maximum opportunity for young people and of not letting people drop out and be left behind is really important in getting more opportunity for this group of young people.
I welcome my hon. Friend’s question. The report published today is really important, and it shows the lack of opportunity for white working-class children at schools. Our agenda of maximum opportunity for young people and of not letting people drop out and be left behind is really important in getting more opportunity for this group of young people.
I welcome my hon. Friend’s question. The report published today is really important, and it shows the lack of opportunity for white working-class children at schools. Our agenda of maximum opportunity for young people and of not letting people drop out and be left behind is really important in getting more opportunity for this group of young people.
Baroness Morris’s inquiry into white working-class children has identified how, from early years to future jobs, white British boys on free school meals are falling well behind. How will Ministers, with all the reviews going on and all the work under way, review and incorporate this inquiry’s findings into their work, particularly in relation to jobs and skills?
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 5 February 2026 to Question HL13977 on Civil Service: Unpaid Work, how the Civil Service establishes whether candidates have misrepresented their socio-economic background.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 5 February 2026 to Question HL13977 on Civil Service: Unpaid Work, how the Civil Service establishes whether candidates have misrepresented their socio-economic background.
In line with other schemes of this nature across the public and private sector, the Cabinet Office uses self-certification for the socio-economic data of applicants and does not seek further validation. This is the same approach taken under its predecessor, the Summer Diversity Internship Programme, from 2010 to 2023.
Any candidate who is found to have misrepresented their circumstances in their application will face a disciplinary investigation.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 5 February 2026 to Question HL13977 on Civil Service: Unpaid Work, how the impact of the changes will be assessed.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the answer of 5 February 2026 to Question HL13977 on Civil Service: Unpaid Work, how the impact of the changes will be assessed.
We will assess the impact of the change in eligibility through the extent to which it increases representation of people within the Fast Stream from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Explore 2024 general election results and census data for constituencies using our data tool.
Explore 2024 general election results and census data for constituencies using our data tool.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms McVey. I thank everybody for what has been a really good debate. It shows Parliament at its best when we all try to work together for the same aim, and that is really important. I am grateful to my hon....
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms McVey. I thank everybody for what has been a really good debate. It shows Parliament at its best when we all try to work together for the same aim, and that is really important. I am grateful to my hon....
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 28 October 2024 (HL1263), when they intend to lay the commencement order for the public sector duty regarding socio-economic inequalities under section 1 of the Equality Act 2010; and what milestones they have set for...
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 28 October 2024 (HL1263), when they intend to lay the commencement order for the public sector duty regarding socio-economic inequalities under section 1 of the Equality Act 2010; and what milestones they have set for...
This Government is committed to ensuring that everyone, no matter their background, can thrive. To support this, we will commence the socio-economic duty on public bodies in Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010. We are currently working toward commencement of the duty, which includes drafting statutory guidance that will clarify how the duty can be applied effectively. As part of this process, we are working with listed public bodies to ensure the guidance supports them effectively.
To ask the Solicitor General, pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2026 to Question 111851 on Law Officers: Equality, whether her Department's document entitled Attorney General's Guidance on Legal Risk, published on 6 November 2024, will be updated to reflect the proposed socio-economic duty when enacted.
To ask the Solicitor General, pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2026 to Question 111851 on Law Officers: Equality, whether her Department's document entitled Attorney General's Guidance on Legal Risk, published on 6 November 2024, will be updated to reflect the proposed socio-economic duty when enacted.
The public sector duty regarding socio-economic inequalities is not yet in force in England. Once in force, the duty will require public authorities (including the Law Officers), when making decisions of a strategic nature about how to exercise their functions, to have due regard to the desirability of exercising them in a way that is designed to reduce the inequalities of outcome which result from socio-economic disadvantage.
The Attorney General’s Guidance on legal risk is intended to assist lawyers and others advising on lawfulness and legal risk in government, by setting out a common framework to assess risk. At such time that the duty comes into force, the Law Officers will have due regard to it in deciding whether any updates to this guidance are required.
New clause 3, discussed with new clauses 4, 5, 13, 17, 22, 32, and 33. New clause 3 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 4 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 5 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 6 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 7 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 8, discussed with new clauses 9, 10, and 30. New clause 8 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 9 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 10 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 11, discussed with new clause 27, negatived on division (5 votes to 8). New clause 12 debated and withdrawn. New clause 13 negatived on division (6 votes to 9). New clause 17 negatived on division (6 votes to 9). New clause 18, discussed with new clause 24, negatived on division (6 votes to 9). New clause 21 debated and withdrawn. New clause 22 negatived on division (6 votes to 9). New clause 23 negatived on division (6 votes to 9). New clause 24 negatived on division (6 votes to 9). New clause 25 negatived on division (6 votes to 9). New clause 26 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 29 negatived on division (5 votes to 8). New clause 30 negatived on division (6 votes to 9). New clause 35 negatived on division (4 votes to 9). Clauses 21 to 27 agreed to. Bill, as amended, to be reported (Bill 422). Committee rose. Written evidence reported to the House.
New clause 3, discussed with new clauses 4, 5, 13, 17, 22, 32, and 33. New clause 3 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 4 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 5 negatived on division (5 votes to 9). New clause 6 negatived on...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the answer by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office of 29 October 2025, to Question 83801, on Peers and Members: Social Class, and to the answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent of 5 February 2026, to Question HL13977, on...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the answer by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office of 29 October 2025, to Question 83801, on Peers and Members: Social Class, and to the answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent of 5 February 2026, to Question HL13977, on...
All candidates are required to complete the questions set by ONS for determining socio-economic background based on their individual circumstances. For parental occupation this is at the age the candidate was 14. This allows the Civil Service to make a determination on their eligibility based on their answers. This is the same approach as was used for Fast Stream Internships under the previous administration.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2025, to Question 84664, on Universities: Admissions, if she will publish the terms of reference of the task and finish group into higher education admissions; and what the definition is of disadvantaged backgrounds.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2025, to Question 84664, on Universities: Admissions, if she will publish the terms of reference of the task and finish group into higher education admissions; and what the definition is of disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Terms of Reference of the Access and Participation Task and Finish Group were published on GOV.UK in February 2026:
The Task and Finish Group’s remit is to consider regional disparities and how to tackle the most systemic barriers across the journey into higher education for disadvantaged students.
The department has not issued direct guidance to the group on the definition of disadvantage for admission purposes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department of the report by BBC Children’s & Education entitled Socioeconomic Impact of BBC Children’s and Education, published on 3 March 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department of the report by BBC Children’s & Education entitled Socioeconomic Impact of BBC Children’s and Education, published on 3 March 2026.
The Government has noted the BBC report on Socioeconomic Impact of BBC Children’s and Education, published on 3 March 2026, and strongly supports the BBC providing high quality children’s and educational content.
The BBC’s Royal Charter sets out its Mission and Public Purposes, including to inform, educate and entertain; support learning of people at all ages, including children and teenagers. The BBC is a significant provider of original UK children’s programmes, and in 2024, accounted for 88% of all first-run UK-originated children’s programming by Public Service Broadcasters. The volume of informal learning content on BBC iPlayer has also grown by 60% since 2021.
The Government published a Green Paper on BBC Charter Review last year, which also sets out our ambition for the BBC to support ‘at risk’ content, including children’s and educational content. We also want the BBC to build on its work helping people of all ages build digital skills and confidence - through services like BBC Bitesize - to ensure that everyone can continue to benefit from its services.
The BBC is a cornerstone of our world-leading creative economy because of its reach and impact - nurturing home-grown talent, driving technological change, and encouraging investment into the UK creative sector. The Charter Review is a vital way we can support this ecosystem and will focus on ensuring the BBC is able to continue playing a central role in the growth of the UK’s creative economy, including entering into mutually beneficial partnerships.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of student loan interest rates and repayment threshold freezes on (a) women, (b) disabled graduates and (c) graduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of student loan interest rates and repayment threshold freezes on (a) women, (b) disabled graduates and (c) graduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Interest accrues on loan balances until the loan has been repaid in full or cancelled, but interest rates do not impact monthly repayments made by borrowers.
Borrowers on Plan 5 student loans only accrue interest at Retail Price Index (RPI) (currently 3.2%) meaning graduates will not repay more than they borrow in real terms. Borrowers on Plan 2 terms have interest applied at RPI only if earnings fall below the repayment threshold, or when out of the labour market, such as with caring responsibilities, ensuring that the loan’s debt value will not grow in real terms. Additionally, borrowers, regardless of their plan, earning under the repayment threshold are not required to make repayments.
Graduates only begin repaying once their earnings exceed the earnings threshold, paying 9% of income above that level. If a graduate becomes disabled and permanently unfit for work, loan balances, including interest may be written off.
For all borrowers, any outstanding loan, including interest accrued, will be cancelled after the loan term ends, and debt is never passed on to family members or descendants.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to help ensure that people from (a) ethnic minority and (b) low socio-economic backgrounds have adequate access to endometriosis diagnosis services.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to help ensure that people from (a) ethnic minority and (b) low socio-economic backgrounds have adequate access to endometriosis diagnosis services.
The Government acknowledges the challenges faced by women with endometriosis and the impact it has on their lives, their relationships, and their participation in education and the workforce.
The 10-Year Health Plan described our reimagined National Health Service, which will be designed to tackle inequalities in both access and outcomes, as well as to give everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, the means to engage with the NHS on their own terms.
We are committed to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis for all women, and we have already taken action to address this.
£25 million has been invested in women’s health hubs to improve care for common gynaecological and urogynaecological conditions, with care for endometriosis outlined as a core service within the women’s health hubs. The women’s health hubs aim to address gaps in provision and long waiting times, specifically for those from low socio-economic background or those who are from minority ethnic backgrounds.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has updated their guidelines on endometriosis in November 2024, with two new treatments having been approved, and we are investing £5.6 million into research to support our efforts in gynaecology and are taking action to cut gynaecology waiting lists through our Elective Reform Plan.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will set out the types of health impacts of poor (a) ambient and (b) indoor air quality by (i) geography and (ii) socioeconomic groups.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will set out the types of health impacts of poor (a) ambient and (b) indoor air quality by (i) geography and (ii) socioeconomic groups.
Ambient and indoor air pollution are harmful to health in the United Kingdom. Long-term exposure to air pollution, over years or lifetimes, reduces life expectancy, mainly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, dementia and lung cancer. Short-term exposure, over hours or days, to elevated levels of air pollution can also cause a range of health impacts, including effects on lung function, exacerbation of asthma, increases in respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, and mortality. Some groups may be more affected by air pollution exposure due to their location or socioeconomic background, but the types of health impacts from exposure to poor air quality in indoor and ambient settings remains similar. A combination of high ambient air pollution levels and substandard housing in income-deprived areas, pre-existing health issues, and lifestyle factors contribute to a disproportionate burden of air-pollution-related ill health among more deprived groups.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether individuals whose parents were middle class when the applicant was aged 14 seeking to apply to the Civil Service Summer Internship Scheme in 2026 will self-certify as working class to sidestep the new working-class requirements; and whether there will be...
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether individuals whose parents were middle class when the applicant was aged 14 seeking to apply to the Civil Service Summer Internship Scheme in 2026 will self-certify as working class to sidestep the new working-class requirements; and whether there will be...
The Cabinet Office uses self-certification for the socio-economic data of applicants and we expect the highest levels of integrity from all Civil Servants. This is the same approach taken under the programme's predecessor - the Summer Diversity Internship Programme - from 2010 to 2023.
Any candidate who is found to have misrepresented their circumstances in their application will face a disciplinary investigation.
We will be assessing the impact of our changes at the end of this year's programme as part of our test and learn approach.