Friday morning I spent with the Horsham Older Peoples’ Forum followed by a grilling from HYPER – the equivalent for secondary school students. It brought into focus the current enquiry by my select committee into “Inter-Generational Fairness”.
Those who have worked and contributed over many decades including tough post war years, periods of high unemployment and inflation must be supported with dignity in their old age. Those at the Forum though made absolutely clear their determination that a new generation should also be given a fair chance in life.
The outlook for current school leavers is extraordinary. They will live, on average, to an age once viewed as barely possible. They will see yet more medical advances and will have opportunities to travel, work and receive higher education undreamt of by previous generations.
However it is not all upside. Over half of today’s 18 year olds are likely to access higher education but that is a privilege for which they will be paying through student loans, they will work longer and start making larger pension contributions sooner, buying a home may take decades. The technological revolution will make continuous learning and employment flexibility critical.
The pressures on young people, accentuated by Social Media, are very real. Sadly whenever I meet teenagers they raise mental health as an issue for their generation.
The least we can do for our young people is ensure their schools are funded fairly. This week’s Government announcement is a hugely welcome step but the devil is in the detail – alot of work lies ahead to get the right result from this consultation, on which I look forward to working with our local Headteachers.
PS I am delighted to have secured a debate in the Commons on the performance on our local train Operators and Network Rail and will be demanding improvements. Local rail issues are one of my most frequent inbox items but if you have an issue that you believe I should be raising in introducing the debate please do contact me via my website at www.jeremyquin.com or at House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.