This article intends to clarify the current nature of the proposals and answer some frequently asked questions about the proposals and how they would impact on certain learners if brought in.

Note that that in several areas the detail of the proposals is still to be determined and so it isn't yet possible to say exactly what they mean in every situation.  The proposals are also subject to heated political debate and may change before implementation.

We will keep this page updated as further information becomes available.

What is being proposed

The proposals include:

• scrapping the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for all learners from the 2011/12 academic year, including those who have been receiving EMA for the first year of a course and would be entering the second year;
• scrapping the Adult Learning Grant (ALG) from the 2012/13 academic year;
• off-setting to some extent the loss of funds from EMAs and ALGs through increases to the discretionary support funds;
• ending the entitlement to a free first level 2 qualification for those over the age of 25, and the entitlement to a free first level three qualification for those over 24;
• introducing fees for adult learners that can be met using loans for fees, similar or identical to those available to higher education students.

Frequently asked questions

When will these proposals take effect?

No EMA applications will be accepted after 31 December 2010.  Therefore if you intend to start a course in the 2010/11 academic year you should apply as soon as possible.  If you have a notice of entitlement to EMA for 2010/11 this will be paid until the end of the academic year.

No EMA payments will be made to any learner after 31 August 2011.

The intention is to make the last Adult Learning Grant payments in the 2011/12 academic year, but no firm dates have been announced.

It is unclear when the entitlement to free level 2 qualifications for those over 25, and free level 3 qualifications for those over 24, will take effect.  It is also unclear when student loans for fees in further education will be introduced.  The Government intends to do so by the end of the parliamentary term, however, so this would mean the 2014/15 academic year at the latest.

I am currently in further education.  Will I be affected?

If you are in the first year of a course and are receiving EMA, you will not receive EMA for the second year, even if you would maintain entitlement under the current rules.

How will fees and fee loans in further education work?

The Government has released no information on the proposals around fees for adult learners and the loans to support them.  We will report any information when we have it.

I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, how will this affect me?

Learner support in further education is a devolved issue, so the changes to learner support will only affect students living in England at the time of application.

The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not made any indication they intend to follow the lead of the Westminster government in the areas described above.  Some changes to EMAs will be made in Wales.

We will add further questions to this list as they arise.  If you would like to have a question answered please email welfare@nus.org.uk