§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many and what percentage of full-time students are claiming disabled student allowance; and what was the total cost in each of the last three years. [115003]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 16 March 2000]: The number and value of disabled students' allowances made by local education authorities in England and Wales as part of the mandatory awards scheme in the academic years 1995–96 to 1997–98—the latest years for which figures are available—are shown in the following table. 439W The percentage of award holders in receipt of DSAs is not available since students can receive more than one allowance. There is a general disabled students allowance as well as separate allowances for specialist equipment, non-medical helpers and travel costs resulting from a
Number1 and value2 of Disabled Students Allowances paid by LEAs in England and Wales academic years 1995–96 to 1997–98 Academic year Number of allowances Value of allowances (£ million) Total award holders 1995–96 6,550 9.1 770,820 1996–97 8,120 10.4 765,090 1997–98 10,770 13.3 769,660 1 Students can receive more than one type of allowance 2 All figures are shown in cash terms. The amounts shown are the gross amounts of the allowances. Because of the effect of income assessment, the net cost of disabled students allowances paid as part of the total award will be lower. Source:
F503G