Think tank fully supports the Centre for Financial Capability’s aims in recent paper presented to Government

20/06/22

The Centre for Financial Capability has featured extensively in the Centre for Social Justice’s most recent report to Government, “On the Money: A roadmap for lifelong financial learning.” The Centre for Social Justice is UK-based think tank focusing on social justice and addressing the root causes of poverty. This paper examines the current state of financial resilience and skills in the UK and offers a series of key recommendations to Government on how to increase the delivery of high-quality financial education across the life span.

As Trustee of the Centre for Financial Capability, I am delighted to have contributed extensively to today’s report. The Centre provided written evidence, and was involved in several oral evidence and interview sessions with CSJ. I am so pleased to see many of the Centre for Financial Capability’s key policy asks and recommendations are highlighted throughout the report.

The report has over 25 recommendations for Government, relating to all ages from primary school, to young adults, to adults and retirees, on how best to increase, manage and support financial resilience and money management skills. I am delighted that the Centre for Financial Capability’s top policy ask – that financial education should be offered on the primary school curriculum – is not only listed, but is referred to as the top ask to Government. Carolyn Griffith, senior research at CSJ, stated that they are calling on Government to make three major changes: “The first is that we want to see financial education added to the curriculum in primary years.”

I am very pleased that the Centre’s key policy is highlighted as the CSJ’s priority ask to Government, and that additional policies recommended by the Centre for Financial Capability – including an Ofsted inspection reform to include financial education assessments, and for unclaimed funds from the Dormant Assets fund to be used to fund financial education, are also highlighted.

It is also a great endorsement to see the report refer to the Centre for Financial Capability as an example of “good practice in the sector” in terms of its support and backing by financial institutions. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Centre for Financial Capability and would like to find out more, please do contact us at partnerships@tcfc.org.uk

The Centre for Financial Capability has been lobbying Government and the Department for Education since the Centre’s inception to include financial education on the primary curriculum, and it is fantastic that our calls are being recognised by other organisations and thinktanks.

Thank you again to Centre for Social Justice for including our recommendations!

If you would like to find out more about our policy asks, campaigning work and general information on the Centre, please contact info@tcfc.org.uk

Carol Knight, Trustee of the Centre for Financial Capability and CEO at TISA