Councils urged to target vulnerable teens to reduce Neet figures

Analysis of the records of 24,000 young people across England found that national annual figures suggesting around nine per cent of young people are not in education, employment or training (Neet) may be misleading, with researchers concluding as many as one in four young people could be out of school or work. The report authors added that the national figures could be masking a wide variation in local figures.

Against the Odds recommends that through their strategic commissioning role, councils and their local partners should:

• Use their new responsibilities for commissioning 16 to 19 education to review and redesign services to achieve further reductions in Neet levels and reduce waste and duplication;

• Make their response to the circumstances of the most sustained Neet groups a core part of the local 14 to 19 strategy and funding plans;

• Use local economic assessment to strengthen links between economic development, regeneration and Connexions services in increasing employment and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

Michael O'Higgins, chairman of the Audit Commission, said: "Local knowledge and targeted action offer the best chance of making a lasting difference to these young lives, and of saving the country billions of pounds in welfare support, lost taxes and income.

"'We know that money is tight, and there isn't a universal remedy. But our report shows the solution lies in local hands, and that initiatives can be cost-effective."

A group of 16-year-olds from 11 council Connexions databases were tracked over two years for the study to show the journey young people make in and out of Neet status. This showed that one in four of the young people were Neet at some point over the period and 10 per cent stayed Neet for six months or more.

O'Higgins added: "The core group of young people out of work and education for six months or more is often overlooked. While there is £8.67bn set aside for 16 to 19 learning and support, most of it rarely reaches these more disadvantaged teens who need more intensive support."

The report also calls on the government to ensure its proposed National Citizen Service programme builds on good practice in existing 16 to 18 education and skills programmes.