§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what would be the cost, at 1986–87 prices, of introducing educational maintenance awards for 16 and 17-year-olds in full-time education in schools and colleges at(a) the same rates as supplementary benefit for young people and (b) the same rates as training allowances paid to 16 and 17-year-olds on YTS.
§ Mr. DunnAfter deducting child benefit and existing maintenance payments from LEAs, the annual cost of paying maintenance allowances to all 16 and 17-year-olds currently in full-time education in schools and colleges is estimated to be as follows:
£ million (a) If the allowances are paid at the same rate as supplementary benefit 300 (b) If the allowances are paid at the same rate as YTS allowances 650 Notes:
1. The figure at (a) is based on the 1986–87 supplementary benefit level of £18.40 for 16 and 17-year-olds living at home with their parents, less child benefit at the 1986–87 rate of £7.10 per week. If child benefit is not deducted the figure would increase by about £200 million to £500 million.
2. The figure for (b) is based on the 1986–87 YTS allowances of £27.30 per week for 16-year-olds and £35 per week for 17-year-olds, less child benefit at the 1986–87 rate of £7.10 per week. If child benefit is not deducted the figure would increase by about £200 million to £850 million.
3. Both figures assume no change in the estimated 1985–86 level of local authority spending on maintenance payments For 16 and 17-year-olds, which has been converted to 1986–87 prices for the present purpose.