§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to Mr. Forman's Written Answer of 5th November (H.C.Deb. col. 344), whether they will begin the collection of information on late payment of student grants, and what representations they have received on the damage done to higher education by the failure of local authorities to pay student grants and fees on time.
§ Baroness BlatchThe department already investigates any complaints received about late maintenance grant or fee payments. In the current academic year, these have involved 10 students and seven local education authorities. The Audit Commission has also been consulting on proposed performance indicators for local authorities, including prompt grant payment. Local authorities will be required in due course to publish their performance against the indicators. The Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations prescribe deadlines for fee payment, and these together with existing targets for authorities on prompt grant payment will be taken into account in developing the Further and Higher Education Charter.