To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many young people were not in education, employment or training in Basingstoke in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. (114469)

There is no data available for those not in education, employment or training at this local level.

The Department has a target to reduce the proportion of 16 to 18-year-olds NEET by two percentage points by 2010.

There is a close alignment between poor educational attainment pre-16 and the likelihood of becoming NEET between the ages of 16 and 18. Our 14-19 reforms are aimed at raising attainment levels, and ensuring that as many young people as possible remain in education and training up to the age of 18.

Youth Matters set out a series of reforms aimed at improving the way in which services work together to support young people, particularly those most at risk of underachieving.