Member News
The All Party Parliamentary group on financial education for young people and the Personal Finance Action Group (pfeg) hosted a joint event in Westminster recently.
Justin Tomlinson MP who is chair of the APPG explained how pfeg had first contacted him when he raised the issue of financial education for young people in parliament. This led to the setting up of the group. It is now the largest APPG in parliament.
Mr Tomlinson explained that public figures such as Martin Lewis and Carol Vorderman had added significant weight to this debate for better financial education in schools. They are 'key to raising the profile of the campaign' on a national level.
Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of pfeg was 'delighted' to announce the pfeg partnership with Experian. This has established and funded 20 centres of excellence based in schools.
Sir John Peace, chairman of Experian made clear that the centres of excellence were 'chosen on the basis of Experian volunteers who will work in the schools. Sir John said the scheme will 'use our talent, skills and services to benefit society'.
The All party group, together with pfeg will continue to raise the issue of financial education with schools minister Nick Gibb ahead of the National Curriculum Review. They remain hopeful that they can achieve recognition of financial education by inclusion within the new national curriculum and within teacher training courses.
Tracey Bleakley added that 2012 would be a 'pivotal year' for their cause.
Vice Chair of the APPG Fiona Bruce MP explained her motivation for getting involved with the APPG.
"I have 2 teenage boys and they had no financial education in school. That made me aware how important this is especially for children who haven't had the best of role models. We have a huge debt problem in this country. As a lawyer I've also seen how financial mismanagement contributes to family breakdown," she said.