The MP for East Ham is calling on schools to teach their pupils about money management so they avoid debt in later life.
Stephen Timms, who is also Labour’s Shadow Employment Minister, is backing an effort by national charity Personal Finance Education Group (PFEG) and Barclays bank to improve young people’s financial skills.
Mr Timms said: “It is vital that children grow up with the necessary financial skills and knowledge to manage their money.
“It will not only make them less vulnerable to the trappings of credit and debt but equip them to succeed in life.
“I encourage schools across East Ham to get involved and help children in our borough learn these important practical life skills.”
The partnership will launch My Money Week from June 3 to 9 to encourage every primary and secondary school to take the opportunity to boost their pupils’ money knowledge and confidence through special lessons and competitions.
Teachers can get started by pre-ordering a free My Money Week Activity Pack at www.pfeg.org.mymoneyweek.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here