Disabled Students’ Allowance

Lord Addington Excerpts

Monday 30th June 2014 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Addington]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how the assessment of complex needs for dyslexics will be achieved under the new Disabled Students’ Allowance arrangements.

[Lord Addington (LD)]

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper. In doing so, I draw the House’s attention to my declared interests.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)]

My Lords, discussions are under way with stakeholders to inform the Disabled Students’ Allowance guidance for the autumn. Our current intention is that students with dyslexia, alongside other disabled students, will continue to undertake an assessment with a study needs assessor. The term “complex” in the Question does not relate to the nature of the student’s disability; rather, it relates to the range of support needed to address the barriers to their learning.

[Lord Addington]

I thank my noble friend for that reply. Does he not accept that that seems to be a change from the announcement that complex needs would be the criterion? If this is going to change as we move into a reformed situation, when can we expect to get a reliable and useful criterion for this assessment for entrants in 2015?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

As my noble friend may well know, we routinely engage with stakeholders on the provision of support for all disabled students, and that dialogue will continue. We are also currently working on the equality impact assessment, which will be taken into consideration. Indeed, the findings of this consultation will be looked at in that light and before we lay down regulations on this matter.