Cuts could force students to give up education

The Scottish Government's education maintenance allowance (EMA) has given 16 to 19-year-olds from low income families in North Lanarkshire a helping hand since 2004. Last year alone 1600 high school and college students in the area received the 30 weekly award.

But the News and Chronicle can reveal that the Government may further reduce the scheme after December.

Last year, following an overspend of 4.5 million on the scheme, the Government scrapped the 10 and 20 allowances and the 150 twice yearly bonus.

Further reductions could leave hundreds of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth pupils with no choice but to quit their studies half way through the academic year.

The revelation was announced at last week's Learning and Leisure Services committee meeting.

Member of the committee, councillor Danny Carrigan, said: "We were astounded by the news. There was no notification and it means that kids who have decided to go back to school in August because they expect to get this maintenance allowance for the full year will now be told the money could run out in December.

"The big concern is that kids will have financial problems and will have to leave school without qualifications. It is unfair to expect the kids and their families, who don't have substantial income, to suffer in this way."

EIS area secretary for North Lanarkshire, Ricky Cullen, also raised concerns. He said: "The worry would be that a lot of kids may have to leave mid session and will not be able to complete their course due to financial hardship. If this is going to be the case nationally then I would deplore this decision, which would be put on those who can least afford it. It would impact greatly on the chances of these school leavers getting a job in an already tough job market."

Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP Cathie Craigie also hit out, she said: "This is a disgraceful decision, one that leaves young students from less affluent backgrounds alone in the dark."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman quashed fears the scheme may be done away with all together. She said: "We will be reviewing the EMA provision in December so that it remains affordable within the budget.

The budget will continue, however because of the current economic situation more people are staying on at school which is putting pressure on the scheme."

The national initiative offers a weekly allowance to single student households earning less than 20,351 and to multiple student households earning no more than 22,403.

Last year a record number of students – almost 2000 in North Lanarkshire – applied for the allowance, an increase of 160 on 2008-2009, but the number of awards granted was a record low at 1599.