HC Deb 17 January 1994 vol 235 cc407-8W
Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the usual period experienced by full-time students who have no other financial means for the processing of their applications for support from the access fund; and what assistance is available to sustain them during that period.

Mr. Boswell

Access funds are intended to help eligible full-time students in higher and further education who, for whatever reason, face financial difficulties. Arrangements for allocation and payment of funds to students are determined by individual institutions. Under the charters for further and higher education published by my right hon. Friend, students who apply for assistance from access funds can expect a decision normally within four weeks of applying or by a published termly date when the institution considers applications. They can also expect to be paid quickly if their application is approved. It is open to institutions to accelerate the timetable for students in exceptional circumstances.

Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the usual period experienced by students between the end of entitlement to benefit on the commencement of a full-time course and the actual receipt of maintenance grant from the local education authority; and what financial assistance is available to such students who have no other financial means to sustain them during that period.

Mr. Boswell

Most full-time students in further and higher education are ineligible for income support, unemployment benefit and housing benefit from the date of their enrolment on the course. Students formally enrol at their institution at the beginning of their first term. Local education authorities are responsible for the payment of the grants they make to students. Under the charters for further and higher education published by my right hon. Friend, students have a right to expect the payment of their grant at the start of each term, provided that they have met the authority's application deadline and given such information as the authority requires. Where payment of the full grant is delayed, authorities can make some payment on account. Institutions may use their access funds to give help to eligible students who face particular financial difficulties.