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Tesco voucher help in EMA delays Tesco voucher help in EMA delays
(about 19 hours later)
A college has given Tesco vouchers to help hard-up students waiting for their educational maintenance allowances.A college has given Tesco vouchers to help hard-up students waiting for their educational maintenance allowances.
Blackburn College gave £10 vouchers to "tide over" more than a thousand students who had not received payments.Blackburn College gave £10 vouchers to "tide over" more than a thousand students who had not received payments.
The college's deputy principal, Lisa O'Loughlin, says there have been real concerns about students dropping out because of the problems with the EMAs.The college's deputy principal, Lisa O'Loughlin, says there have been real concerns about students dropping out because of the problems with the EMAs.
Last week, the government said there was still a backlog of 40,000 students waiting for the delayed payments.Last week, the government said there was still a backlog of 40,000 students waiting for the delayed payments.
The means-tested allowances of up to £30 per week should have been available to students at the beginning of term, but more than two months later many youngsters are still waiting.The means-tested allowances of up to £30 per week should have been available to students at the beginning of term, but more than two months later many youngsters are still waiting.
Staying onStaying on
A government agency, the Learning and Skills Council, outsourced the delivery of the payments to a private company, Liberata, in a contract worth more than a million pounds per month.A government agency, the Learning and Skills Council, outsourced the delivery of the payments to a private company, Liberata, in a contract worth more than a million pounds per month.
Nigel Robbins wants to see someone take charge of the EMA problemNigel Robbins wants to see someone take charge of the EMA problem
The £10 Tesco vouchers - which can be redeemed against foodstuffs - given out to students last week were an attempt by Blackburn College to assist students from very deprived backgrounds, says the vice-principal.The £10 Tesco vouchers - which can be redeemed against foodstuffs - given out to students last week were an attempt by Blackburn College to assist students from very deprived backgrounds, says the vice-principal.
"Retention is a real issue," said Lisa O'Loughlin."Retention is a real issue," said Lisa O'Loughlin.
"There is constantly a tension between staying on to learn and going out to get a job and earn some money.""There is constantly a tension between staying on to learn and going out to get a job and earn some money."
Ms O'Loughlin, like many college leaders, says the education maintenance allowances have helped more students to stay on beyond the age of 16.Ms O'Loughlin, like many college leaders, says the education maintenance allowances have helped more students to stay on beyond the age of 16.
In the case of her further education college she says the allowances do now appear to be arriving for students.In the case of her further education college she says the allowances do now appear to be arriving for students.
But there are delays still frustrating other colleges - and there have been accusations that the problem would have been fixed much more quickly if it had affected university students or more middle-class sixth formers.But there are delays still frustrating other colleges - and there have been accusations that the problem would have been fixed much more quickly if it had affected university students or more middle-class sixth formers.
"College staff have continued to support students in difficult circumstances but they are frustrated that the problems have still not been fully resolved," said the president of the Association of Colleges, David Collins."College staff have continued to support students in difficult circumstances but they are frustrated that the problems have still not been fully resolved," said the president of the Association of Colleges, David Collins.
"There has been some progress but the administration of the system is not at the professional standard required.""There has been some progress but the administration of the system is not at the professional standard required."
'Frustrating''Frustrating'
Among the college heads who have raised concerns is Nigel Robbins, principal of Cirencester College in Gloucestershire, who was awarded an OBE for his services to further education.Among the college heads who have raised concerns is Nigel Robbins, principal of Cirencester College in Gloucestershire, who was awarded an OBE for his services to further education.
A-level student Luke Brewer is still waiting for his moneyA-level student Luke Brewer is still waiting for his money
He says that at present about 200 of his students are still waiting for the means-tested payments - and says that the government does not seem to be able to control such outsourced responsibilities.He says that at present about 200 of his students are still waiting for the means-tested payments - and says that the government does not seem to be able to control such outsourced responsibilities.
"I get the impression ministers have lost their grip on things - partly because so much has been outsourced," he said."I get the impression ministers have lost their grip on things - partly because so much has been outsourced," he said.
Mr Robbins says it has been "hugely frustrating" that what he says has been a real success story has now been "completely cocked up".Mr Robbins says it has been "hugely frustrating" that what he says has been a real success story has now been "completely cocked up".
"What has really upset me is that this is a really good scheme, one of the best things that this government has put in place for education," he said."What has really upset me is that this is a really good scheme, one of the best things that this government has put in place for education," he said.
"There's no sense of anyone seeming to realise how much of a mistake has been made. It is disgraceful," said Mr Robbins."There's no sense of anyone seeming to realise how much of a mistake has been made. It is disgraceful," said Mr Robbins.
An A-level student at the college, 18-year-old Luke Brewer, is also vehement in his criticism of the nine-week delay. He is particularly angry at the difficulties with the helpline.An A-level student at the college, 18-year-old Luke Brewer, is also vehement in his criticism of the nine-week delay. He is particularly angry at the difficulties with the helpline.
"The biggest problem is trying to get in touch. It's like trying to communicate with a brick wall," he says."The biggest problem is trying to get in touch. It's like trying to communicate with a brick wall," he says.
The idea behind the allowance is to stop youngsters from drifting off into low-skilled jobs - by giving them some spending money.The idea behind the allowance is to stop youngsters from drifting off into low-skilled jobs - by giving them some spending money.
But now he says, without any allowance, students are cutting back on food, struggling to borrow money for travelling to college and have no money for any leisure.But now he says, without any allowance, students are cutting back on food, struggling to borrow money for travelling to college and have no money for any leisure.
In terms of the message, he says it seems to be saying "we'll educate those who have got the money".In terms of the message, he says it seems to be saying "we'll educate those who have got the money".
"It's been a really bad experience.""It's been a really bad experience."
There is also a frustration that no-one is listening to their problem.There is also a frustration that no-one is listening to their problem.
"Students feel powerless. They feel it's pointless trying to take on big organisations," he said."Students feel powerless. They feel it's pointless trying to take on big organisations," he said.
Schools Minister Jim Knight said the delay in the delivery of EMA payments in England was completely unacceptable and the Learning and Skills Council was working with the outsourced company, Liberata, to resolve the problems.Schools Minister Jim Knight said the delay in the delivery of EMA payments in England was completely unacceptable and the Learning and Skills Council was working with the outsourced company, Liberata, to resolve the problems.
In terms of applying any sanctions on Liberata, the Learning and Skills Council put out a statement from David Hughes, Regional Director for London.In terms of applying any sanctions on Liberata, the Learning and Skills Council put out a statement from David Hughes, Regional Director for London.
“We cannot comment on contract issues between the LSC and Liberata; they remain commercial in confidence."“We cannot comment on contract issues between the LSC and Liberata; they remain commercial in confidence."


Send us your comments on this story, using the form below.Send us your comments on this story, using the form below.
Lots of money for bankers but none for students... Russell, ReadingLots of money for bankers but none for students... Russell, Reading
My son is now owed 10 weeks EMA. He has had his contract returned weeks ago. His payment was input during October by EMA who input his bank details incorrectly.The payment was rejected by his bank and after numerous phonecalls mistake was admitted by EMA, but I still had to return proof of his bank details to them. Still no payment.Jayne Davison, Carshalton EnglandMy son is now owed 10 weeks EMA. He has had his contract returned weeks ago. His payment was input during October by EMA who input his bank details incorrectly.The payment was rejected by his bank and after numerous phonecalls mistake was admitted by EMA, but I still had to return proof of his bank details to them. Still no payment.Jayne Davison, Carshalton England
I have personally emailed Jim Knight but with no response. I am fuming that students are not getting their allowance. Govt should have given colleges a fund so they could bail out students - certainly more needy than banks. This is not education, education, education. It is causing ordinary students to make life changing decisions about their education and therefore their careers etc. how short sighted is this govt. Have to agree that if university students would be seen as more needy as university becoming domain of middle class. This will put students off applying for uni. so where is the govt. strategy there. disgusted!mary colclough, sheffieldI have personally emailed Jim Knight but with no response. I am fuming that students are not getting their allowance. Govt should have given colleges a fund so they could bail out students - certainly more needy than banks. This is not education, education, education. It is causing ordinary students to make life changing decisions about their education and therefore their careers etc. how short sighted is this govt. Have to agree that if university students would be seen as more needy as university becoming domain of middle class. This will put students off applying for uni. so where is the govt. strategy there. disgusted!mary colclough, sheffield
As a student Support Officer at a Somerset FE College, I have come across innumberable cases of application forms going missing! As the applicants cannot prove that they have sent their forms, Liberata have declared that they cannot have sent their forms in in the first place - despite the fact that they admit they cannot guarantee that they are not somewhere within their system! Now that the deadline date of the 28 October has passed any student who subsequently finds their forms have 'not been received' will not be backdated. Despite their incompetance, Liberata are still sticking to this deadline date and refusing to backdate - which for those students who were told to be patient and wait for their applications to go through the system adds insult to injury. In view of everything the deadline date should be put forward to at least the Christmas break for backdated payments!Helene Perry, Taunton, SomersetAs a student Support Officer at a Somerset FE College, I have come across innumberable cases of application forms going missing! As the applicants cannot prove that they have sent their forms, Liberata have declared that they cannot have sent their forms in in the first place - despite the fact that they admit they cannot guarantee that they are not somewhere within their system! Now that the deadline date of the 28 October has passed any student who subsequently finds their forms have 'not been received' will not be backdated. Despite their incompetance, Liberata are still sticking to this deadline date and refusing to backdate - which for those students who were told to be patient and wait for their applications to go through the system adds insult to injury. In view of everything the deadline date should be put forward to at least the Christmas break for backdated payments!Helene Perry, Taunton, Somerset
This disgusting situation will be allowed to continue unless a decision is taken to terminate the contract with Liberata forthwith for failing to fulfil its contract - or was it a term of the contract that the company fulfils its contract irrespective of when the students are paid - irrespective of when. Who awarded this contract and who is responsible overseeing it?Rodney S. Barker, Gainsborough, England UKThis disgusting situation will be allowed to continue unless a decision is taken to terminate the contract with Liberata forthwith for failing to fulfil its contract - or was it a term of the contract that the company fulfils its contract irrespective of when the students are paid - irrespective of when. Who awarded this contract and who is responsible overseeing it?Rodney S. Barker, Gainsborough, England UK
After six weeks of hearing nothing I contacted EMA by phone. They told me that the claim had been sent back to me as it was incorrectly filled out. They could not tell me what was incorrect but I should wait 3 weeks for the system to actually post it to me. Nothing received after 4 weeks and advised that it must be lost and must re-submit. Claim re-submitted but must now wait 3/4 weeks for it to be dealt with. I suggest that all relevent government departments have their salaries stopped for 14/16 weeks and see how quick they are to get something done.Jason Waite, MacclesfieldAfter six weeks of hearing nothing I contacted EMA by phone. They told me that the claim had been sent back to me as it was incorrectly filled out. They could not tell me what was incorrect but I should wait 3 weeks for the system to actually post it to me. Nothing received after 4 weeks and advised that it must be lost and must re-submit. Claim re-submitted but must now wait 3/4 weeks for it to be dealt with. I suggest that all relevent government departments have their salaries stopped for 14/16 weeks and see how quick they are to get something done.Jason Waite, Macclesfield
Absolutely disgusting. Yet another outsourced educational contract goes to the proverbial dogs. EMA's not meant as a 'bribe' to keep kids in college or sixth form - you'd need more than thirty quid a week to keep those who really don't want to be there studying (especially when they could just go and sign on for a tenner a week more, let's face it). It's meant to keep those who really want to be studying from dropping out and signing a dead-end job contract just because they're sick of having no money at all. And the fact the Government have advertised this benefit to all and sundry over the last few months and still aren't delivering on it says a lot. Marc, Lowestoft, SuffolkAbsolutely disgusting. Yet another outsourced educational contract goes to the proverbial dogs. EMA's not meant as a 'bribe' to keep kids in college or sixth form - you'd need more than thirty quid a week to keep those who really don't want to be there studying (especially when they could just go and sign on for a tenner a week more, let's face it). It's meant to keep those who really want to be studying from dropping out and signing a dead-end job contract just because they're sick of having no money at all. And the fact the Government have advertised this benefit to all and sundry over the last few months and still aren't delivering on it says a lot. Marc, Lowestoft, Suffolk
After being accepted into college I applied for EMA, but was told that my household was over the income limit, and that I wasn't eligible. However, I wonder if they actually take into account the bills that need to be paid each month at all? We've never been a well off family, and my parents just didn't have the money to fund my travel costs, as well as the costs for stationary, etc that were required. A friend of mine had a similar problem, and was denied EMA despite the fact that her parents were less than £100 over the threshold, which is really quite ridiculous. Because of this, we both had to find part time jobs in telesales, (which we both hated,) and consequently had less time to actually spend actually doing homework and coursework. The money that we earned pretty much went toward getting the bus to and from college and work, with practically nothing left at the end of the week to actually spend on ourselves to try to relax. The two years actually spent at college were so stressful, I can't help thinking that it was a waste of time.Robyn, CheshireAfter being accepted into college I applied for EMA, but was told that my household was over the income limit, and that I wasn't eligible. However, I wonder if they actually take into account the bills that need to be paid each month at all? We've never been a well off family, and my parents just didn't have the money to fund my travel costs, as well as the costs for stationary, etc that were required. A friend of mine had a similar problem, and was denied EMA despite the fact that her parents were less than £100 over the threshold, which is really quite ridiculous. Because of this, we both had to find part time jobs in telesales, (which we both hated,) and consequently had less time to actually spend actually doing homework and coursework. The money that we earned pretty much went toward getting the bus to and from college and work, with practically nothing left at the end of the week to actually spend on ourselves to try to relax. The two years actually spent at college were so stressful, I can't help thinking that it was a waste of time.Robyn, Cheshire
I was one of the people who did not get EMA at school; despite getting the best A-Level results in my schools history I didn't get a 'exam bonus' whereas my peers who mostly failed got approx. £100 as a 'reward' for going to all the exams. The aforementioned people wasted their EMA on alcohol and going out and I struggled to buy the required text books to pass my exams. Similar to how the government neglects university students if their parents are on the middle income bracket. I personally think EMA is a waste of money. It could be spent much more sensibly. Warren , CambridgeI was one of the people who did not get EMA at school; despite getting the best A-Level results in my schools history I didn't get a 'exam bonus' whereas my peers who mostly failed got approx. £100 as a 'reward' for going to all the exams. The aforementioned people wasted their EMA on alcohol and going out and I struggled to buy the required text books to pass my exams. Similar to how the government neglects university students if their parents are on the middle income bracket. I personally think EMA is a waste of money. It could be spent much more sensibly. Warren , Cambridge
I am a student from a hard working family on a low income, i myself have worked hard all through the summer and on weekends but still need my ema (which i am still waiting for). Living rurally i could have gone to my local college but they simply didn’t offer the courses i wanted, instead i have to pay £440 to get to college. Without ema i wouldn’t be able to afford this and would be stuck doing courses i didn’t like going no where. I think people who think ema is a waste of money should have a look at the bigger picture!Josh, SomersetI am a student from a hard working family on a low income, i myself have worked hard all through the summer and on weekends but still need my ema (which i am still waiting for). Living rurally i could have gone to my local college but they simply didn’t offer the courses i wanted, instead i have to pay £440 to get to college. Without ema i wouldn’t be able to afford this and would be stuck doing courses i didn’t like going no where. I think people who think ema is a waste of money should have a look at the bigger picture!Josh, Somerset
I started sixth form one year before the ema was introduced and I see that all the delay is unacceptable but at the end of the day, people should be thankful they're getting the ema in the end. I would have qualified for the £30 a week and I survived without it even though I didnt get an allowance from my parents as they couldnt afford to give me any money. I can see that there are a very small number of people who need this but most people don't and can get buy without it as I can see a lot of the money being wasted on alcohol, fashion, 'whats in' etc.Hayley, LondonI started sixth form one year before the ema was introduced and I see that all the delay is unacceptable but at the end of the day, people should be thankful they're getting the ema in the end. I would have qualified for the £30 a week and I survived without it even though I didnt get an allowance from my parents as they couldnt afford to give me any money. I can see that there are a very small number of people who need this but most people don't and can get buy without it as I can see a lot of the money being wasted on alcohol, fashion, 'whats in' etc.Hayley, London
i have 3 children all due the £30.00 so thats £90.00 a week lost. One has now come through but still no payments, one has come through but only half the payments have been received and one i have been told will be sent next week 3 times. the hotline now just pulls the plug on you. If I was that inefficient I would be sacked.helen wellby, potters bari have 3 children all due the £30.00 so thats £90.00 a week lost. One has now come through but still no payments, one has come through but only half the payments have been received and one i have been told will be sent next week 3 times. the hotline now just pulls the plug on you. If I was that inefficient I would be sacked.helen wellby, potters bar
There are also problems with the Adult Learning Grant, which is the same as EMA, but for those over 18. My forms were returned three times because I didn't fill in a section of the form that I didn't need to - yet I ended up filling it in because they wouldn't accept it until I had. I've only just managed to sort out the forms now - and should have the money by the end of this month, but it's three months later than it should have been if someone had been paying attention.Craig Bean, NuneatonThere are also problems with the Adult Learning Grant, which is the same as EMA, but for those over 18. My forms were returned three times because I didn't fill in a section of the form that I didn't need to - yet I ended up filling it in because they wouldn't accept it until I had. I've only just managed to sort out the forms now - and should have the money by the end of this month, but it's three months later than it should have been if someone had been paying attention.Craig Bean, Nuneaton
My daughters EMA has still not arrived even though we have been told that it was processed and agreed on 20th AUGUST!!!!!To those who claim that EMA is unecessary, let me point out that there are NO free bus passes for those on EMA, and my daughters bus fare is £18.50 a week. She needs to buy lunch whilst she is at college as well as equipment and materials, very little is provided. £30 a week just doesn't cover it and cetainly doesn't buy any alcohol.Julia Thomson, Poole
Whatever happened to actually going to college and having to put yourself through it. There was no such thing as an EMA when I went to college (I think it started the year after I finished), but I still managed to buy myself a car, tax and insure it, put petrol in it and drive to college every day!! And on the weekend, when I wasn't at college, I would drive myself to my job, thats right, a job!! Heaven forbid, you might have to get a job to pay for things like books, pens/pencils/ beer/ fags etc. Millions of students have done it without the EMA, so why can't the current generation?Neil, Chorley
Me and all my friends had to work through college and A-levels. It must be nice to have all your time to study but I can't help but think that the skills that we learned in our part-time jobs are far more important that £30 a week to spend on alco-pops and fags.Emma , TorbayMe and all my friends had to work through college and A-levels. It must be nice to have all your time to study but I can't help but think that the skills that we learned in our part-time jobs are far more important that £30 a week to spend on alco-pops and fags.Emma , Torbay
I find all these remarks about people saying EMA is a waste because all it's spent on is alcohol and cigarettes to be incredibly condescending. I used my EMA money to pay for my textbooks, equipment and bus fares to college. It's nice to know that the people who had part time jobs (I had one as well as EMA money), presumably never spent a penny of it on alcohol. Some people genuinely need this money, particularly those from backgrounds who wouldn't normally have the ability to buy these academic essentials. Books aren't cheap, you know.Thomas, YorkI find all these remarks about people saying EMA is a waste because all it's spent on is alcohol and cigarettes to be incredibly condescending. I used my EMA money to pay for my textbooks, equipment and bus fares to college. It's nice to know that the people who had part time jobs (I had one as well as EMA money), presumably never spent a penny of it on alcohol. Some people genuinely need this money, particularly those from backgrounds who wouldn't normally have the ability to buy these academic essentials. Books aren't cheap, you know.Thomas, York
i find it strange that people suggest they would not attend school without EMA... has noone heard of a saturday job?! with a household income of less that £14,000 with both parents working full time i still managed to go to school and now university, so what suddenly changed to make the EMA needed? if i wanted money for busses and leisure i worked, and learned the value of money along the wayElizabeth, Chichester, West Sussexi find it strange that people suggest they would not attend school without EMA... has noone heard of a saturday job?! with a household income of less that £14,000 with both parents working full time i still managed to go to school and now university, so what suddenly changed to make the EMA needed? if i wanted money for busses and leisure i worked, and learned the value of money along the wayElizabeth, Chichester, West Sussex
Just because you managed without it when you went to college doesn't mean its not a good thing now. Are you saying you wouldnt have claimed it if it was available before? All I can say is 'sour grapes'. It is an incentive. My son attends an Access To Music college which meant catching two buses and took between 2 and 3 hours for him to get there and back depanding on the time of day. He needed his EMA for his bus fare and to ensure his equipment is kept up to standard (Guitar strings aren't cheap) I have done all i can for him, paying for the course, buying him his instruments for Christmas or birthday, buying a home computer (hand written essays are not allowed these days), ensuring he has lunch money etc but i could not have afforded his travel as well. He now gets a lift into college with a friend who now drives which is much more convenient but still costs him his share of the petrol money, not to mention he still has to attend gigs set up by the college, costing mor! e in travel. He has a part time job too but he only got that recently (his 3rd year of college). Its very hard, if you only have certain days available a week and you must keep your evenings free for any gigs you have to attend to find a job that fits in - not to mention minimum wage for an under 21 yr old is ridiculous. Its not easy. My son does not smoke but he'll go out with mates for a drink once a week, why not? - he works hard!Amanda, BristolJust because you managed without it when you went to college doesn't mean its not a good thing now. Are you saying you wouldnt have claimed it if it was available before? All I can say is 'sour grapes'. It is an incentive. My son attends an Access To Music college which meant catching two buses and took between 2 and 3 hours for him to get there and back depanding on the time of day. He needed his EMA for his bus fare and to ensure his equipment is kept up to standard (Guitar strings aren't cheap) I have done all i can for him, paying for the course, buying him his instruments for Christmas or birthday, buying a home computer (hand written essays are not allowed these days), ensuring he has lunch money etc but i could not have afforded his travel as well. He now gets a lift into college with a friend who now drives which is much more convenient but still costs him his share of the petrol money, not to mention he still has to attend gigs set up by the college, costing mor! e in travel. He has a part time job too but he only got that recently (his 3rd year of college). Its very hard, if you only have certain days available a week and you must keep your evenings free for any gigs you have to attend to find a job that fits in - not to mention minimum wage for an under 21 yr old is ridiculous. Its not easy. My son does not smoke but he'll go out with mates for a drink once a week, why not? - he works hard!Amanda, Bristol
a fundamental problem with the EMA process is that the call centres are not linked ! whenever i would phone up to try and sort my EMA (delayed for 6 weeks) nobody knew what was going on. after an hour on hold i then had to battle to try and explain time and time again what was going on with my EMA to numerous call centre employees who seemed like they truthfully didn't give a damn !Dominic Manvell, weymoutha fundamental problem with the EMA process is that the call centres are not linked ! whenever i would phone up to try and sort my EMA (delayed for 6 weeks) nobody knew what was going on. after an hour on hold i then had to battle to try and explain time and time again what was going on with my EMA to numerous call centre employees who seemed like they truthfully didn't give a damn !Dominic Manvell, weymouth
Dear me, how did any of us manage before the government handed out bribes to greedy students? Saturday jobs, that's how! I know it meant that the day was spent working instead of studying, but the lessons learned whilst doing so were invaluable, and a far better preparation for the move to University/full time work than simply getting £30 deposited in my bank account.Dear me, how did any of us manage before the government handed out bribes to greedy students? Saturday jobs, that's how! I know it meant that the day was spent working instead of studying, but the lessons learned whilst doing so were invaluable, and a far better preparation for the move to University/full time work than simply getting £30 deposited in my bank account.
Amy, CardiffAmy, Cardiff
Yea that is why the government should give the colleges and schools more money so that they can afford to provided these things for ALL pupils. Instead of giving it directly to the students. Seriously how do you spend £30 a week on books, paper, stationary and travel. In the first week you MIGHT need to buy books. Most schools provide these. Also stationary. With travel this will probably go over £30. Until you have included the free bus pass many impverished students get. However after the first week when you have your stationary and books and your free/yearly/monthly bus pass how much money is seriously going towards these things.
i thought the idea of the ema was to enable kids to have a bit of an income for themselves, their parents should still be in receipt of child benefit and child tax credits for them so are they being asked to barter the voucher for cash from their parents or what - can't see many of them using the voucher for food themselves Julie, barnsleyi thought the idea of the ema was to enable kids to have a bit of an income for themselves, their parents should still be in receipt of child benefit and child tax credits for them so are they being asked to barter the voucher for cash from their parents or what - can't see many of them using the voucher for food themselves Julie, barnsley
Although it is awful the government have promised money to students and not delivered, I'm not sure bribing people to stay in education and giving them hand outs is the way forward! People should want to stay in education to better themselves. Part of growing up is realising that money comes from hard work and hard work alone, and that is a lesson everyone needs to learn.Laura, ExeterAlthough it is awful the government have promised money to students and not delivered, I'm not sure bribing people to stay in education and giving them hand outs is the way forward! People should want to stay in education to better themselves. Part of growing up is realising that money comes from hard work and hard work alone, and that is a lesson everyone needs to learn.Laura, Exeter
i am a single parent with 4 children 2 of which are in college. Both have qualified for EMA but have not received it as yet. I have had to provide materials, busfares and packed lunches,causing a drain on my already tight budget.jill wilkinson, leedsi am a single parent with 4 children 2 of which are in college. Both have qualified for EMA but have not received it as yet. I have had to provide materials, busfares and packed lunches,causing a drain on my already tight budget.jill wilkinson, leeds
I just think it is unfair. My parents always had enough money to provide what I needed which I got. No more. I did not get EMA if I had wanted more money I had to get a job. While my "poor" friends who often got more from their parents anyway also got this EMA most of which was squandered.Phil, Reading
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