To ask Her Majesty's Government how many applications for the education maintenance allowance for the current school year remain unprocessed; what steps they are taking to clear the backlog; and when it will be completed. [HL2518]

This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) which operates the education maintenance allowance (EMA) for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). The LSC's acting chief executive, Geoff Russell, will write to the noble Lord with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.