Hansard

Single Parents

Volume 307: debated on Monday 2 March 1998

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Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what financial assistance is available for single parents in full-time education. [30517]

Mr. Alan Howarth

There is a range of provision available, depending on the age and circumstances of the single parent:

  • (i) child benefit is payable in respect of children up to the age of 16. Lone parents who have a child under the age of 16 are eligible to apply for Income Support;
  • (ii) all full-time students up to the age of 19 and full or part time students of all ages on means-tested benefits attending FEFC-funded colleges are eligible for course fee remission;
  • (iii) lone parents attending schools and colleges may also apply to their local education authorities and colleges for discretionary support.

    • Help from the Higher Education Access Funds is currently available to home full-time students whose access to HE might be inhibited by financial considerations or who, for whatever reason, including physical or other disabilities, face financial difficulties.

    The funds are administered by the individual higher education institutions which make the decisions on a case by case basis. The amount available is £22 million in the current academic year.

    In response to the recommendations of the Dearing Committee, next year the size of the funds will be doubled and eligibility extended to part-time students.