The so-called enhanced discretionary learner support fund was set up by the last government to help young people facing financial hardship with the costs of course-related equipment, emergencies and travel.
This financial year, the fund has a budget of £26m, but this amount will be tripled by 2014 in order for it to fully replace EMA.
Responding to a parliamentary question on the subject, schools minister Nick Gibb claimed the fund would "enable closer targeting of resource to individual students in need."
But Dan Taubman, senior national education official at University and College Union, said: "This means a lot of young people are going to get no funding support for studying."
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
