§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many awards have been made of the education maintenance allowance in the 15 pilot areas in England so far; and what is the cost of these awards(a) in total and (b) as a percentage of the budgeted amount. [111714]
§ Mr. WicksThe information requested is shown in the table (figures refer to the period up to and including 18 February):
Current EMA recipients Total cost to date (£) Bolton 1,130 420,760 Cornwall 2,770 1,442,447 Doncaster 1,241 634,959 Gateshead 953 502,261 Greenwich 205 108,178 Lambeth 179 89,350 Leeds 962 508,108 Lewisham 175 70,591 Middlesbrough 913 443,841 Nottingham 1,184 821,835 Oldham 1,205 641,975 Southampton 804 358,836 Southwark 108 37,175 Stoke 1,179 656,569 Walsall 1,114 594,851 Total 14,122 7,331,736 There is no set budget as the scheme is demand led. Some EMA applications remain uncleared where further information is required from applicants.
We are encouraged by anecdotal information which suggests that EMAs are having a positive impact already. A number of institutions have reported improved 394W attendance and a stronger work ethic among EMA recipients. EMAs have the potential to make a real difference to the life chances of young people and we are pleased that the pilot areas have made an encouraging start and continue to consolidate the progress already made.