Crisis of Opportunity: Government Launches Youth Inactivity Inquiry as Genuine Futures Leads the Response in Bolton 🚀
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A national inquiry into rising youth inactivity
The UK government has launched an independent inquiry into rising youth inactivity, led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, as levels of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) continue to climb.
According to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, the persistently high number of inactive young people is a “crisis of opportunity” demanding urgent action.
“If we get this right, the prize is huge: transforming lives and life chances, with the pent-up potential of the next generation firing our economy and building a better future for all,” McFadden said.
“We cannot afford to lose a generation of young people to a life on benefits, with no work prospects and not enough hope.”
The inquiry will explore the reasons behind the growing NEET population, now approaching one million, and investigate how to reduce the long-term social and economic costs of youth inactivity.
Youth inactivity in the UK – a growing crisis
New data reveals that nearly one in eight young people aged 16–24 in the UK are classed as economically inactive, with a quarter citing long-term sickness or disability as the main barrier to work or education.
Over the past five years, the number of young people claiming Universal Credit Health and Employment Support Allowance has risen by 50 %, with 80 % reporting mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions as their primary challenge.
Alan Milburn has promised an “uncompromising review”, saying:
“We cannot stand by and let a generation of young people be consigned to a life without employment or prospects. It’s clear urgent action is needed.”
The inquiry’s findings are expected next summer — but at Genuine Futures CIC, the work to tackle youth inactivity is already well underway.
Genuine Futures: Bolton leading the response
While the government’s review focuses on policy, Genuine Futures CIC, based in Bolton, is providing practical, community-led solutions right now.
Our mission is simple: reduce youth inactivity through enterprise, education, and empowerment.
We work with young people aged 15–24 who are NEET, care-experienced, homeless, or at risk of offending — helping them gain skills, confidence, and real-world work experience.
Through initiatives like Boss Your Future Bolton, the Young Futures Hub, and our youth-led enterprise We Shine Any Car, we’re showing what can happen when lived experience meets opportunity.
“When you give young people belief, purpose, and the tools to succeed, they take ownership,” said Mike Alleyne, Co-Founder of Genuine Futures CIC.
“We’re not waiting for policy — we’re doing it now, transforming lives through enterprise and employment.”
Youth enterprise in action – We Shine Any Car
At our We Shine Any Car site in Bolton (BL1 8HU), young people are turning inactivity into enterprise. What began as a simple car-washing and valeting project has evolved into a fully fledged youth-led social enterprise, now launching We Polish Any Car to expand training, skills, and job opportunities.
Each wash, valet, and polish provides hands-on experience, teamwork, and pride.
“It’s not just about cars — it’s about confidence,” said Sam Smith, Co-Founder of Genuine Futures.
“Every hour spent learning a trade is an hour spent rebuilding hope.”
Why this matters for Bolton and beyond
Bolton’s story mirrors the national picture: too many young people facing barriers to opportunity, confidence, and connection.
By creating local pathways into enterprise, Genuine Futures CIC is proving that the solution to youth unemployment and inactivity lies in community-based innovation — not bureaucracy.
“We’re building something that belongs to the community,” added Mike Alleyne.
“Every young person we support is one step closer to a future of independence, purpose, and pride.”
From inquiry to impact – taking action together
As Alan Milburn’s youth inactivity review unfolds, Genuine Futures CIC will continue to share lived-experience insights from the ground — ensuring young voices from Bolton are part of the national conversation.
We believe change happens when policy meets practice — and in Bolton, practice is already producing results.
Location: The Scrappers, BL1 8HU, Bolton
Open: Mondays & Thursdays, 10 am – 4 pm
Services: Car Washing | Valeting | Polishing (with Kier every Thursday)
Call to Action:
Be part of the solution — support Bolton’s youth.
Book your car wash, valet, or polish at We Shine Any Car, and help transform youth inactivity into opportunity.