Written question asked by Jim Cousins (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 December 2003. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Thursday, 18 December 2003 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what changes he proposes to make to the social security rules compelling full-time students in households reliant on benefits to take out or be deducted the full value of grants, loans and bursaries, in the light of the Government's proposals for higher education funding.

Answer: Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what changes he proposes to make to the social security rules compelling full-time students in households reliant on benefits to take out or be deducted the full value of grants, loans and bursaries, in the light of the Government's proposals for higher education funding. [142331] Mr. Pond: The benefit rules are regularly updated in order to take account of changes to the student support system. We will continue to ensure that any payments in respect of fees and course-related expenses are disregarded in assessing benefits while ensuring that the benefits and student support systems do not duplicate each other in providing for maintenance costs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 142331; 415 c1105W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Benefits rules Finance Fees and charges Grants Higher education Personal income Loans Social security benefits Students
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk