Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has made a landmark call for evidence, urging people who struggle with reading, writing and maths to come forward and contribute to the Business, Innovation & Skills Select Committee's forthcoming inquiry into adult literacy and numeracy.
Caroline is one of eleven members of the BIS Select Committee which looks into Government policy and makes recommendations about how it could be improved. She has long campaigned for the Committee to investigate the issue of literacy and numeracy problems among the adult population. With 1 in 6 adults in the UK functionally illiterate and 1 in 5 lacking basic maths skills, tackling the issue is becoming of increasing importance.
Hearing that an inquiry will take place has come as very welcome news and Caroline is keen to gather as much evidence as possible. In a first for government Select Committees, contributions can be uploaded and submitted as video or audio files.
Caroline said:
"Adult literacy and numeracy problems are a huge cause for concern and we need to act swiftly if we are to tackle them. The launch of the BIS Select Committee Inquiry marks a considerable milestone in my ongoing campaign to combat this longstanding issue.
I am delighted that a number of familiar faces will be participating in the first oral evidence session today, including Libby Ainley, author of Yes We Can Read, alongside Gosport's very own Linda Curtis and Di Lloyd who work relentlessly to help those struggling with reading, writing and basic maths.
It is essential that we have a wide range of evidence which is why I have made a video urging adult education providers and anyone who has problems with literacy or numeracy to come forward and tell us about their experiences."
Last year, Caroline brought together a number of leading experts for a briefing seminar in Westminster on adult literacy and numeracy and also held a debate in the chamber of the House of Commons. More recently, she has established an All Party Parliamentary Group for Numeracy which will make recommendations on improving adult numeracy and the teaching of maths in schools.
You can watch Caroline's call for evidence here: youtu.be/gaIiYYchPT8. For more information about the inquiry and to make a contribution, visit: bit.ly/1aCrJzj.