Ten per cent of 16 to 24 year olds in Waltham Forest have no qualifications.

Waltham Forest council is trying to tackle the lack of opportunities and poor life chances for young people in the borough.

To tackle the issues, the authority is running a consultation, talking to students, young people and their families about how to improve the number and range of options available for career progression in the borough.

The consultation, known as the Big Youth Conversation, will inform a report by the authority’s Life Chances Commission due later this autumn and will feed into the council’s strategy for young people.

Council figures revealed there is a relatively low number of apprenticeship opportunities available.

It was also found that only 14 per cent of young people in the borough end up going on to Russell Group universities, which is below the London average.

A total of 25 per cent of children in Waltham Forest are currently living in low-income families and children growing up in poverty are four times more likely to become poor adults.

Overall, Waltham Forest has the fourth highest share of people in low-paid, low skilled occupations in London.

The Life Chances Commission was set up in 2017 by council leader Cllr Clare Coghill to look at the blockages preventing young people from meeting their full potential.

Cllr Clare Coghill said: “I see the huge potential that our young people possess in Waltham Forest and we know that too much of this is wasted or unfulfilled.

“This independent commission is tasked with unearthing the things preventing our young people flourishing to fulfil their ambitions.

“We are now giving young people in both secondary and primary sectors a chance to have their say to empower young people to drive the changes they want to see, so they can have the best future possible.”

There have been a range of other events to engage with young people across the borough including the Walthamstow Garden Party and an event held by Sparks 2 Life at the Emmanuel Church, Walthamstow, on Friday July 13.