The Chancellor's Budget

I imagine many people will be looking at the Budget very carefully indeed, from a personal point of view, to see the impact on public services, and to see whether it does anything about the obscene level of bankers' bonuses. (The Governor of the Bank of England, no less, has said that the parlous state of the country's finances is due far more to the mis-management of the banks than spending decisons by the previous government.)

But I will be particularly looking for two pre-leakedmeasures realating to young people; the replacement of the EMA and the extension of the apprenticeship scheme. On the EMA replacement, I am concerned about the effect on the deprived communities that Dudley College, of which I am a governor, serves; 78% of 16-19 students at Dudley College have EMA benefits at present. I have been deeply affected by the personal stories I have heard, with the EMA making the critical difference to their being able to stay in full-time education. I have also been impressed by their dignity and articulacy in presenting their case to MPs and others.