This
suggestion comes from the TaxPayers' Alliance/ Institute of Directors
report on saving £50 billion. For a PDF of the full report (including
footnotes for claims made below) click here.
Launched in 2004, the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a
means-tested benefit paid to teenagers aged between 16 and 19 who stay in
school or further education beyond the statutory age of 16. It is worth up to £30 a week, is paid
directly into teenagers’ bank accounts, and does not have to be spent on
educational materials, or school or college transport etc. It is designed to increase
participation in education beyond the current school leaving age of 16.
Savings id: Abolition of the Education Maintenance Allowance.
Department: DCSF
Annual saving: £530m
***
Previous idea for saving: (21) A 10% reduction in the size of the civil service.
