Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 30 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 July 2003. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Monday, 7 July 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what criteria the Department employs in assessing parental contributions under the Aided Pupils Scheme for musically gifted pupils at specialist schools; and how housing costs are allowed for.

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what criteria the Department employs in assessing parental contributions under the Aided Pupils Scheme for musically gifted pupils at specialist schools; and how housing costs are allowed for. [123441] Mr. Miliband: The Aided Pupil Scheme, part of the Music and Dance Scheme, is an annually assessed means-tested scheme that required parents to make a contribution towards fees according to their means. Gross income from all sources is assessed so that all parents are placed on a similar footing wherever they live. The amount (if any) parents pay is on a sliding scale linked to total income and the scales are constructed so that the least well-off families benefit most. No deductions are made in respect of outgoings such as mortgage repayments, pension contributions and the normal day to day costs of living when assessing a family's total gross income. The method of income assessment ensures that a proper balance is struck between the amount parents can realistically be expected to contribute and the amount of taxpayers' money that is provided for the scheme.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 408 c628W;408 c626W; 123441
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Music Costs Housing Pupils Parental contributions Specialist schools Music and dance scheme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk