§ Baroness Hollis of Heighamasked Her Majesty's Government:
What would be the net annual cost to public funds of removing the 21-hour study rule which renders full-time students ineligible for income support.
Viscount AstorThe 21-hour rule enables certain unemployed people in receipt of income support to undertake courses of study which are not full-time and involve less than 21 hours' study a week while continuing actively to seek work. There is specific provision in the Income Support (General) Regulations which exclude most students following full-time courses from benefit.
The information requested is not available centrally.