Unprocessed Education Maintenance Allowances for 2008/09

12.00.00am GMT Tue 11th Nov 2008

Commenting on the number of Education Maintenance Allowances applications that haven't yet been processed for the 2008/09 academic year, Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson said:

"It is essential that this backlog be dealt with as soon as possible to ensure that students remain in full time education.

"This scheme was designed to provide cash incentive to keep students from low-income families to remain in full-time education.

"Wales needs a skilled and educated workforce to bolster the economy and this money could be crucial in deciding if students remain in full-time education or not."

Notes:

In the 2008/09 academic year to date, 31,930 applications for EMA have been received. Of these, 17,490 have been approved and 380 rejected