West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie has called on the Government to do more to support School pupils after the announcement that there has been a 2 per cent drop in the number of pupils claiming Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
EMAs are means tested payments of £10, £20, £30 per week to young people attending school or further education on a full time basis. They aim to increase participation in School and College among 16 to 19 year olds from low income families. Following satisfactory attendance and completion of a learning agreement, additional bonus payments of £150 are payable in January and June.
"The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a wonderful scheme which encourages young people from poorer backgrounds to continue there education. Although I was disappointed to see that this year fewer young people have applied for the EMAs even though it was rolled out to include 19 year olds as well.
"Many 16-19 year olds from Renfrewshire attending School or College would greatly benefit from the EMA.
"The Scottish Government has to do more to encourage young people to apply for the EMA, encouraging young people from low income families to continue there education should be a priority and the Scottish Government must do more to support them."
