The Petition of Liverpool Community College students and staff,

Declares that the petitioners oppose the abolition of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA); that the petitioners believe that the EMA helps thousands of young people to reach their full potential; that the petitioners believe that the loss of EMA will damage the country’s economic future and impact on social justice by making it harder for disadvantaged young people to access education; and that the petitioners believe that the abolition of the EMA will lead to cuts in local provision as colleges respond to reductions in learner numbers.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government not to abolish the Education Maintenance Allowance and to continue supporting adult learners through the Adult Learning Grant.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Luciana Berger, Official Report, 21 December 2010; Vol. 520, c. 1429.]

[P000873]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Education:

The Chancellor announced on 20 October that we would be ending the EMA scheme. The EMA scheme closed to new applicants on 1 January 2011 and will close entirely at the end of the 2010-11 academic year. We intend to replace it, from September 2011, with a more efficient and effective package of financial support which is more closely targeted on those who face genuine financial barriers to participation.

In coming to this decision the Government have looked closely at evaluation evidence and other research carried out by the previous Labour Government, which shows that around 90% of recipients would have stayed on after 16 even if they had not received EMA.

We are maintaining the commitment to full participation and to raising the participation age. In replacing the EMA, we want colleges, schools and training organisations to be able to make sure that those students who need support the most will receive it.

We remain committed to supporting adult students in further education. We signalled in the Skills Investment Strategy that as the Adult Learning Grant (ALG) provides vital support any reform would need to be managed carefully and in consultation with the sector. Streamlining some of the current learner support funds into one discretionary fund is in response to the sector, who indicated they would welcome a more coherent and simplified approach to student support. In doing this we are not reducing the amount of support available, but reviewing the way in which it is administered and awarded. In transferring the amount of budget allocated to ALG currently, we want colleges and other training providers to be able to make sure those students who need support most will receive it.

The Petition of students of Walsall College,

Declares that the Petitioners oppose any reduction in weekly Education Maintenance Allowance payments in this Parliament; notes that the Petitioners further oppose the loss of financial support to 14 to 19-year-olds from low-income families who wish to stay on in further education.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take all possible steps to continue the payment of Education Maintenance Allowance.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Valerie Vaz, Official Report, 19 January 2011; Vol. 521, c. 978.]

[P000878]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Education:

The Chancellor announced on 20 October that we would be ending the EMA scheme. The EMA scheme closed to new applicants on 1 January 2011 and will close entirely at the end of the 2010-11 academic year. We intend to replace it, from September 2011, with a more efficient and effective package of financial support which is more closely targeted on those who face genuine financial barriers to participation.

In coming to this decision the Government have looked closely at evaluation evidence and other research carried out by the previous Labour Government, which shows that around 90% of recipients would have stayed on after 16 even if they had not received EMA.

We are maintaining the commitment to full participation and to raising the participation age. In replacing the EMA, we want colleges, schools and training organisations to be able to make sure that those students who need support the most will receive it.

The Petition of residents of Sunderland and the surrounding area,

Declares that the Petitioners oppose the abolition of the Education Maintenance Allowance; and notes that education can provide a better future for young people.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government not to abolish the Education Maintenance Allowance.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mrs Sharon Hodgson, Official Report, 18 January 2011; Vol. 521, c. 812.]

[P000880]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Education:

The Chancellor announced on 20 October that we would be ending the EMA scheme. The EMA scheme closed to new applicants on 1 January 2011 and will close entirely at the end of the 2010-11 academic year. We intend to replace it, from September 2011, with a more efficient and effective package of financial support which is more closely targeted on those who face genuine financial barriers to participation.

In coming to this decision the Government have looked closely at evaluation evidence and other research carried out by the previous Labour Government, which shows that around 90% of recipients would have stayed on after 16 even if they had not received EMA.

We are maintaining the commitment to full participation and to raising the participation age. In replacing the EMA, we want colleges, schools and training organisations to be able to make sure that those students who need support the most will receive it.