§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what effect the proposals in "Top Up Loans for Students", Cm. 520, with regard to benefit entitlement will have on students pursuing Project 2000 courses of nursing education.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 4 December 1989]: The Government accepted the proposals of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting that Project 2000 students should have student, rather than employee, status and receive bursaries rather than salaries. The Government remain committed to removing entitlement to income support, unemployment benefit and housing benefit from students with the exception of single parents and disabled people.
The basic level of bursary for Project 2000 students under 26 is currently £4,700 per annum in London, and £4,000 per annum elsewhere. These amounts will not be means-tested. Project 2000 students, like other students in full-time education, will pay only 20 per cent. of the community charge.