Assembly Learning Grant

I am glad to be in a position to announce that the Assembly Learning Grant will now be fully disregarded for benefits purposes.

From the outset DWP fully recognised what it is we are seeking to achieve.  They have acknowledged the importance of maximising the support for learners, taking account of their responsibilities as guardians of the benefits system on a UK basis.

Initially the inter-relation between the Income-related Benefits Regulations and those prescribing the award of the Assembly Learning Grant meant that only £592 of the ALG could be ignored when a student's entitlement to an income related benefit was calculated.  The disregards related to costs such as books and equipment and travel.  

Now, after detailed discussion over the technicalities, we have agreed to clarify our policy intent that the grant is to provide financial assistance towards the costs of books, equipment, travel or childcare.  This will enable the Assembly Learning Grant to be fully disregarded if an eligible student claims an income-related benefit.  I am using  the executive procedure to amend the Education (Assembly Learning Grant Scheme) Regulations 2002 so that the clarification necessary to ensure the full disregard can be reflected in law.

This is a path-finder year.  It is entirely predictable that we would encounter technical difficulties along the way.  The relationship between student support and State benefits is notably complex. It is not surprising that it presented us with a particular issue to resolve.

Detailed discussion between ourselves, the DWP and the Wales Office have enabled us to clarify our understanding of this area.  I am particularly grateful to Malcolm Wicks and Peter Hain for the supportive and sympathetic way in which they have approached the issue.  It shows how Whitehall departments and the Assembly Government work together effectively in the context of devolution.

DWP are now issuing guidance to benefits offices throughout Wales to confirm the arrangements following the agreement we have reached.