This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), who operate the education maintenance allowance (EMA) for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and hold the information about take-up and payments under the scheme. Mark Haysom, the Council’s Chief Executive, has written to my hon. Friend with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.
Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 20 July 2007:
I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question 148792 that asked; “How many students in Tamworth claimed education allowance in each year since it was introduced, broken down by ward of residence.”
Information on the number of young people who have applied, enrolled and received education maintenance allowance (EMA) is available at local authority level, but not at ward level. EMA take-up is defined as young people who have received one or more EMA payments in the academic year.
EMA take-up for Staffordshire local authority area during each academic year since inception is as follows:
2004/05—3,632
2005/06—6,393
2006/07—7,803 (to end of June)
EMA Take-up data showing the number of young people who have received one or more EMA payments during 2004/05,2005/06 and to date in 2006/07 is now also available on the LSC website, at the following address:
http://www.lsc.gov.uk/providers/Data/statistics/learner/EMA_take_up.htm
I hope you find this information useful.