Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab)

- Hansard -

I rise to present a petition on behalf of Wakefield college, the residents of the Wakefield constituency and others, and in the name of Sue Griffiths, the principal of the college on Margaret street in my constituency. The petition is signed by 271 young people from across the Wakefield district.

The petition states:

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to consider the value of the EMA as a vital support to students from low income backgrounds; to recognise the importance of the EMA as a tool for raising attainment levels for 16-19 year olds and to increase social mobility; to recognise the devastating impact any cuts to the EMA would have on students at Wakefield College; and to therefore pledge that the EMA will not be subject to government cuts but protected and maintained in the future.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The Petition of Wakefield College and residents of the Wakefield constituency and others,

Declares that the previous Labour government's introduction of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), to students from households where the combined family income is less than £30,810, has increased the recruitment and retention of 16 year olds in full-time education; further declares that 58% of students at Wakefield College receive an EMA; further declares that for many families the EMA has become an essential part of their income; further declares that the EMA is a vital tool for raising attainment levels for 16-19 year olds and increasing social mobility; and further declares that this financial support to young people continuing their education and training is a valuable investment in young people across the country.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to consider the value of the EMA as a vital support to students from low income backgrounds; to recognise the importance of the EMA as a tool for raising attainment levels for 16-19 year olds and to increase social mobility; to recognise the devastating impact any cuts to the EMA would have on students at Wakefield College; and to therefore pledge that the EMA will not be subject to government cuts but protected and maintained in the future.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.]

[P000865]