14. To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the effect on social exclusion and social mobility of post-16 education and training. (234807)

Evidence suggests that education is an important factor in reducing the risk of social exclusion. For example, people with no qualifications are seven times more likely to be unemployed and five times more likely to be low paid than people with higher education. The Strategy Unit’s discussion paper ‘Getting on, Getting Ahead’ identified high quality post-16 education and training as a critical factor in improving people’s life chances. The discussion paper provides the analytical base for a cross-Government White Paper, to be published in December. The White Paper will set out a range of policies that aim to raise social mobility including providing more people with the capabilities and skills needed to get more and better jobs.