HC Deb 19 April 1996 vol 275 cc621-2W
Mr. Charles Wardle

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement about the level of parental contribution to the fees of pupils on the assisted places scheme for the next academic year. [26295]

Mrs. Gillan

Remission of tuition fees under the assisted places scheme is dependent on the level of fees at participating schools and the amount parents can afford to contribute. Subject to parliamentary approval of regulations to be laid in due course, the parental contribution scales will be adjusted for the school year 1996–97 to allow for inflation so that the cost to parents remains broadly the same in real terms. Where the relevant income for the appropriate financial year does not exceed £9,873, the tuition fees will be wholly remitted so that the pupil receives a free place. The new scales are set out in the table.

Percentage
Part of relevant income to which percentage applies One assisted pupil Each of two assisted pupils Each of three assisted pupils
That part which exceeds £9,707 but does not exceed £10,555 9 6.75 5.25
That part (if any) which exceeds £10,555 but does not exceed £11,417 12 9 7
That part (if any) which exceeds £11,417 but does not exceed £13,127 15 11.25 8.75
That part (if any) which exceeds £13,127 but does not exceed £15,760 21 15.75 12.25
That part (if any) which exceeds £15,760 but does not exceed £19,194 24 18 14
That part (if any) which exceeds £19,194 33 24.75 19.25