Britain faces a pressing need to overhaul its approach to youth employment by prioritizing technical education, a government adviser on the issue said this week. Alan Milburn, a former Labour health secretary and current adviser on youth unemployment, warned that the country is failing to prepare young people for the realities of today’s job market, leaving many without viable pathways into work or training.

Milburn emphasized the importance of revitalizing technical education to address what he described as the “Neet crisis,” referring to the more than one million young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment, or training. He characterized this situation as both an economic disaster and a moral emergency, urging Britain to become a “technical education superpower” to better serve its youth.

The adviser noted that the traditional emphasis on university degrees no longer guarantees job security, pointing out that about 700,000 graduates are currently unemployed. Furthermore, research by Checkatrade, an online platform, suggests growing interest in skilled trades among young people. Nearly half surveyed said they would consider careers as plumbers, builders, or electricians, citing earning potential and job stability as key motivators. Apprenticeships are becoming more appealing as well, with nearly 40 percent of respondents under 25 viewing them as more attractive than pursuing a degree—a significant shift from a decade ago when just 3 percent preferred apprenticeships as their first choice.

Milburn planned to discuss these issues at an event in London hosted by the Centre for Social Justice, alongside former Conservative education secretary Michael Gove, who is credited with school reforms in recent years. The conversation aims to explore ways to channel similar dedication into tackling youth unemployment and reshaping the nation’s skills agenda.

Separately, there are ongoing debates about property taxation and its impact on different income groups. Reports indicate that Andy Burnham, the prospective Labour leader and prime minister-in-waiting, is reviewing plans for a council tax surcharge on high-value homes. Initially proposed by Labour frontbencher Rachel Reeves, the so-called mansion tax targets properties valued over £2 million with an additional levy ranging from £2,500 to £7,500 annually.

Burnham is reportedly considering lowering the threshold to include homes worth £1.5 million, which would bring roughly 150,000 more households, particularly in southern England, under the surcharge. This move could affect middle-class homeowners in expensive areas, including parts of London where even modest four-bedroom terraced houses might qualify. There is also speculation that Burnham may revisit broader property tax reforms, potentially replacing council tax with a land value-based system, though details remain unclear.

The Labour leadership contenders face pressure from various think tanks and advisers as they formulate policies on taxation and public spending. Notably, a think tank associated with former Prime Minister Tony Blair has cautioned against raising capital gains tax to match income tax, warning that increasing tax burdens could have adverse effects on revenue and economic growth. Burnham’s team has not commented publicly on these reports.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, who will soon step down as prime minister, reflected on his tenure in a recent statement, highlighting improvements in NHS waiting times, government borrowing, and childcare costs. However, he acknowledged challenges in articulating a clear, unifying vision for the country’s future beyond these achievements.