§ Mr. HoramTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills for what reasons further education lecturers are not permitted to apply for higher equity loans under the Key Worker Living housing programmes announced in March. [169822]
§ Alan Johnson[holding answer 4 May 2004]FE teachers, like school teachers and other key workers, in London and other high housing cost areas in the South East and East regions, are eligible for equity loans of up to £50,000 under the Key Worker Living initiative announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on 23 March. This is the first time FE teachers have been eligible for such support.
In addition, as part of the London Challenge, there is a specific scheme in London to retain school teachers who have the potential to be future leaders of the education service in London. This was developed in the light of evidence that, although London is very attractive to young school teachers, many leave London when they want to settle down and start a family. This is just the moment when they are beginning to take on crucial middle leadership roles in schools. The London Challenge Key Teacher Homebuy Scheme therefore offers school teachers in London equity loans of up to £100,000 to enable them to afford family homes.