The Petition of residents of Leicester and the surrounding area,
Declares that the Petitioners oppose the abolition of the Education Maintenance Allowance; notes that a substantial number of young people are in receipt of the Education Maintenance Allowance in Leicester; and further 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 Sir Peter Soulsby, Official Report, 15 March 2011; Vol. 525, c. 273.]
[P000901]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Education:
We announced in October 2010 our intention to end the Education Maintenance Allowance scheme because it was a very expensive way of supporting young people to continue in education or training and was not well targeted on those who are facing the greatest financial barriers to participation.
On 28 March 2011 we announced a new £180 million 16-19 bursary fund. From September 2011, schools, colleges and training organisations will be able to target support towards those young people who most need support to enable them to continue their education and training post-16. We also announced proposed transitional arrangements to help the majority of young people who are presently in receipt of Education Maintenance Allowance.
We are currently consulting on the proposed arrangements. Further details of the proposals and the consultation can be found at:
http://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/. The consultation ends on 20 May 2011.