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Written question asked by Stephen O'Brien (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 November 2005. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 November 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students have claimed the education maintenance allowance in each year that it has been available; and how many she expects to claim it in 2006–07.
Answer

The numbers of students who received education maintenance allowances (EMA) are:

Number
2001/02 115,700
2002/03 125,600
2003/04 127,900
2004/05 297,600

For the academic year 2005/06, we estimate that around 465,000 young people will be eligible to receive EMA on income grounds. This includes unwaged trainees on work based learning programmes funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). From April 2006, those aged 16–19 on Entry to Employment or Programme Led Pathways, and their parents/carers, will receive the same package of financial support as is currently available to those who stay on in full time education ie EMA, child benefit, child tax credit and other related benefits.For the academic year 2006/07, we estimate that around 555,000 young people will be eligible to receive EMA on income grounds.So far, the national EMA scheme has been rolled out to 16 and 17-year-olds. However, in pilot areas EMA is also available to those aged 18. The national scheme will be rolled out to 18-year-olds in September 2006. Unwaged trainees aged 16–19 will be eligible from April 2006.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
439 c1125-6W;439 c1125-6W; 27956
Session
2005-06
Subjects
Education maintenance allowance Take-up
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk