§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much money has been paid to local education authorities to reimburse them for expenditure on vacation hardship allowances; and how many students have benefited in each of the last five years including the current year to date.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthLocal education authorities in England and Wales currently have a discretionary power under the Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations 1990 to pay a means-tested allowance of up to £53.50 a week during a vacation to students on designated courses who would, in the authority's opinion, otherwise suffer undue hardship. Since 1 April 1990, authorities' expenditure on mandatory awards has been reimbursed by 100 per cent. grant from my right hon. and learned Friend. Lower rates applied in earlier years.
Authorities' expenditure on the allowance and the number of students in receipt of it from 1986–87 onwards are given in the table. Figures are not yet available for either 1989–90 or the current year and, in the latter case, are likely to be affected by the improved arrangements for student support.
Academic year Number of students Value of allowances (£) 1988–89 305 40,837 1987–88 322 47,706 1986–87 288 36,425