EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE

That this House notes with regret that eligibility for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is calculated using household income data from financial year 2008-09 and that the children of many thousands of households suffering the effects of the current economic crisis are excluded from receiving this vital assistance; further notes that the EMA guarantee means that people receive EMA payments at the same rate for up to three years, even if their household income increases, so that whilst thousands of children in need will be excluded this year, some will continue to receive the benefit even though their household income is above the threshold; and calls on the Government to distribute financial assistance for education more fairly in light of people's circumstances and the recession.