HC Deb 19 April 2004 vol 420 cc29-30W
Kate Hoey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what sources of public funding are available to cover the cast of accommodation while studying for a single, childless, full-time further education student, studying for a non-degree course, and living independently of parental support in local authority accommodation. [164627]

Alan Johnson

The focus of the public support that my Department provides for the accommodation costs of students in further education is on those whose course of study makes it necessary for them to live away from home. Bursaries are available for students attending six residential colleges and for those on specialist courses at colleges of agriculture, horticulture, art and design. A related scheme for students at other colleges who need to undertake courses at level 3 or above, or have a particular employment related learning need is at the pilot stage.

Students who do not qualify for a bursary may be eligible for a Career Development Loan, which can cover living expenses as well as the costs of tuition if the course is full time.

As far as those in receipt of Housing Benefit is concerned, both DIES and the Department for Work and Pensions recognise that the '16 hour rule', whereby income related benefits should only be provided for those in work, or those unable to work, can create difficulties for some people who wish to participate in full time further education. The situation is being monitored through the DWP Hardest to Help Delivery Plan, and DIES and DWP are working together to streamline the arrangements for supporting those in learning.