HC Deb 19 November 1986 vol 105 c192W
Mr. Meadowcroft

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what difference in the level of expenditure his Department expect from the recent changes made to the assessment of mature student grants.

Mr. Walden

Increased rates of allowances for older students are expected to result in additional expenditure of about £500,000 per annum.

Mr. Meadowcroft

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans his Department has to encourage mature students over the age of 26 years to enrol on education courses; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Walden

The number of home students entering full-time higher education in Great Britain at the age of 25 or over has increased by 20 per cent. since 1979. Under the Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations, students over the age of 25 are treated as independent and their grant is not subject to a parental contribution. Students aged 26 and over who satisfy certain conditions relating to previous earnings are eligible for additional age-related allowances, and these allowances were increased in 1986–87 by an average of 10 per cent. There are other supplementary allowances for students with dependants.

In addition, the Department's PICKUP and Replan programmes are helping to increase the education and training opportunities available for employees and unemployed adults respectively.