Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 2 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 November 2005. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 12 December 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

NHS Student Grant Unit

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the performance of the NHS Student Grant Unit in processing application forms for grants for the 2005–06 academic year.

Answer: The NHS student grants unit is part of the NHS Pensions Agency. As a special health authority, the NHS Pensions Agency is independent of the Department, and the chief executive and board are responsible for the operational affairs and the day to day management of the authority.I am aware that there have been some delays in processing applications for students starting their studies in the academic year 2005–06. As at Friday 25 November 2005, the NHS student grants unit was back within the target of processing 95 per cent. of bursary applications within 20 working days of receipt, providing they receive a correctly completed application form.

Secondary information