§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what factors led to the Government's decision to change the Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations 1986 schedule 2, part 4, paragraph 21(b), in respect of older students.
§ Mr. WaldenThe criteria for eligibility for the older students allowance were changed in response to representations from a number of organisations about the position of students who had been employed on a part-time basis. Such students, many of whom had achieved significant levels of income, were previously ineligible for the allowance. The Government believe that the revised arrangements are fairer and reflect more closely the purpose of the allowance.