Overview

This bill proposes a compulsory year of national service for all 18-25 year olds in England and Wales, excluding those with severe mental or physical disabilities. The program would combine education, training in life skills, and public service, and would include a paid component.

Description

The National Service Bill mandates one year of national service for all 18-25 year olds, except for those with severe disabilities. This service would include:

• Educational Assistance: Support for those lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Life Skills Training: Instruction in physical fitness, personal discipline, budgeting, cooking, and social skills.
• Public Service: A period of volunteering in areas such as charitable work, social action, care for the elderly or disabled, overseas development, or work with the NHS, emergency services, or the Armed Forces.
• Residential Component: Participants would live away from home for a portion of their service.

Participants would receive the national minimum wage and have accommodation and travel expenses covered by the government. Upon completion, they receive a certificate entitling them to a 10% increase in their lifetime personal income tax allowance.

Failure to complete the service would be a criminal offense, punishable by regulations to be determined later.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending. The exact amount is not specified but will cover participant wages, accommodation, travel expenses, and administrative costs associated with running the national service program.

Groups Affected

• 18-25 year olds in England and Wales (excluding those with severe disabilities): Required to participate in national service.
• Employers: May experience temporary workforce reductions due to employee participation.
• Charities and Public Sector Organizations: May benefit from increased volunteer support.
• UK Treasury: Will experience increased expenditure but also potentially increased tax revenue through the tax allowance.

Powered by nyModel