Shifting Gears: What’s at Stake for Social Mobility in Britain?

The recent rumblings from Whitehall that the Social Mobility Commission (SMC) might be on its way out have left many wondering what this means for the UK’s long-standing struggle to bridge the gap between rich and poor. At first glance, it seems like a peculiar decision - who wouldn’t want to monitor and address social inequality? However, scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a more complex picture emerging.

The SMC was born out of Labour’s 2010 Child Poverty Commission, but its remit was significantly watered down by coalition governments and subsequent Tory administrations. Now, under the current government, concerns have been raised that the commission has become an ineffective thinktank within government rather than a robust watchdog. This is a worrying development, especially considering the SMC’s sole statutory responsibility - producing an annual report on social mobility in the UK.

The reports often highlight entrenched regional disparities, with former industrial communities struggling to recover from decades of economic disadvantage. The most recent state-of-the-nation report paints a stark picture: Yorkshire, the north-east, the Midlands, Wales, and Scotland are still reeling from deindustrialisation. Instead of taking decisive action, it seems that the government is considering abolishing an organisation tasked with tracking progress.

Some will argue that this move is a welcome attempt to streamline efforts within government. However, what does this say about the current administration’s commitment to social mobility? The government has prioritised local devolution, technical education, and housing policy - all laudable goals, perhaps, but ones that don’t necessarily address the entrenched systemic issues driving inequality.

The development comes at a time when Alan Milburn’s review into the million young people who are Neet (not in education, employment, or training) is underway. His resignation as chair of the SMC in 2017 due to government inaction on social mobility serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.

As the Cabinet Office review continues, it’s essential to remember that the SMC was originally conceived with the best of intentions - to hold policymakers accountable for addressing child poverty and social mobility. However, what’s clear now is that this organisation has become mired in bureaucratic red tape, failing to drive meaningful change on the ground.

In reality, any changes to the SMC would require new legislation, which means a swift resolution is unlikely anytime soon. This development should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and civil society alike: if we’re truly committed to bridging the gap between rich and poor, then perhaps it’s time to rethink our approach.

The SMC may not have “real teeth,” but its annual reports offer a stark reminder of the UK’s ongoing social mobility crisis. Rather than abolishing this organisation, policymakers should take a long, hard look at their own role in perpetuating inequality.