§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review arrangements for benefit payments to students on sandwich courses who are unable to obtain work experience and receive no grant.
§ Miss WiddecombeFull-time students should generally look to the education maintenance system for financial support. In common with other full-time students, those attending sandwich courses are excluded from housing benefit, income support and unemployment benefit for the 577W duration of their course. This includes any periods designated for work experience, whether or not a placement is obtained. The social security system was never intended to finance those who are undertaking a course of full-time study, including those courses which combine practical expertise with classroom instruction.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will reinstate housing benefit for students; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeNo. Financial support for full-time students is properly the responsibility of the educational maintenance system, although certain vulnerable students remain eligible for housing benefit.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will urgently review benefit payments for students who are carers and have special family responsibilities and are currently unable to claim benefits.
§ Miss WiddecombeFull-time students should generally look to the education maintenance system for financial support. Students who are attending courses only part-time continue to be eligible for income support, housing benefit and invalid care allowance. We have no plans to change these arrangements.