§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assistance will be given to students over the age of 50 years beginning higher or further education courses in 1998 towards the cost of living and tuition fees. [21156]
§ Dr. HowellsUnder the new arrangements for higher education student support, students aged over 50 will be eligible for means-related help with tuition fees on the same basis as other students. In particular, if they are on low incomes they will continue to receive free tuition.
The majority of students over 50 are part-time and are therefore ineligible for student loans. Under the current student loans scheme full-time students who are aged 50 or over when their course starts are also ineligible. We do not plan any changes in the eligibility requirements for loans—including the age restrictions—for 1998–99. However, we are reviewing the position for future years in the context of the White Paper on lifelong learning due to be published in the new year. Both full and part-time students in higher education will be eligible for Access Funds from 1998–99, regardless of their age.
99WStudents in further education will not be covered by these new arrangements. In 1998–99 they will be able to apply for a discretionary award from their local education authority. These arrangements are being reviewed for subsequent years.