LOCAL STUDENTS WAIT MONTHS FOR EDUCATION MONEY (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

LOCAL STUDENTS WAIT MONTHS FOR EDUCATION MONEY

November 11, 2008 5:00 PM

Many students in Cornwall are still waiting for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) payments worth hundreds of pounds - months after they made their original applications, Julia has revealed.

Students at Riviera Lodge Training in Penryn first made their applications for EMA before the start of the education year in September. The EMA amounts to £30 a week for eligible students, but more than 3 months later students are still waiting to receive their first payment. The Education Maintenance Allowance was set up to ensure that students from low-income families can afford to stay at school or college after the age of 16.

In a letter to Julia, the government admitted to difficulties with EMA processing, but has refused to reveal the extent to which they are experiencing problems in processing applications. Over 4 weeks has passed since it stated in Parliament that they were on top of the situation, and no money has yet been forthcoming.

Julia has now written to government ministers demanding an explanation, as well as action to ensure her constituents receive the support to which they are entitled as soon as possible.

Commenting, Julia said:

"The delay in processing these EMA applications is unacceptable. Many of our young people were relying on this money to support them and were expecting these payments to begin months ago. The Government's inability to cope with this system has left young people across the county out of pocket to the tune of hundreds of pounds.

"I am concerned that the lack of financial support is making it increasingly difficult for many students to continue with their studies. The problems must be resolved as a matter of urgency, and the government must come clean on the extent of their incompetence."