Figures from a BBC analysis of Cabinet Office data show that only 4% of honours were given to people from working-class backgrounds in the latest set of New Year Honours. Only 6% of those who were awarded “higher” awards such as CBEs and knighthoods and damehoods live in the north of England. The data also reveals that over 60% of people with these awards lived in London or south-east England. Responding to this the government has said that it will encourage wider range of nominations amongst underrepresented communities. Sir Keir Starmer, who represents a constituency in north London, has expressed his disappointment through a spokesperson.
CEO’s, professors and senior civil servants were the most common recipients of the 142 most senior honours at New Year, according to the data. Thus, the government wants to widen variety in the types of work that are rewarded. They have also clarified that they want the honours to be awarded based on merit rather than the background of the nominees. The government has also expressed their intention to encourage more nominations from outside London, to reflect their aim for a “properly diverse and reflective of UK society” honours system.
Private Eye magazine highlighted the disparity between the awards that different social groups receive, with senior civil servants being more likely to receive the higher award honours. Former Home Office Minister Norman Baker said he perceives it as being “deeply unfair” as it does not reward based on merit, but rather on the social status of individuals. The IPPR North think tank has called for a “system shake-up” and accused the establishment of overlooking people in the North of England.
There have been attempts at honours being more representative in the past, such as submissions being invited from the public. The information highlighted some positive trends, such as there being a more even gender split amongst honours, and around 12% of them being awarded to people from ethnic minorities. Despite this, a quarter of honours still went to London or South East England and concerns from groups like Transparency International UK, who work to fight against corruption in public life, are still present. They believe that it needs to be clear who is nominating honours recipients and if government departments or businesses are pushing through nominations for their senior staff
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