I propose to take Questions Nos. 1005, 1006 and 1027 together.
From September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance for all schemes, and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, will be ineligible for student support maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met, for eligible students, by the Exchequer on their behalf. They should apply to their assessing authority to have their eligibility assessed.
Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they meet the terms and conditions of the scheme. Students progressing to a new course, with effect from 2010/11, will no longer be eligible for student support maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.
The 5% reduction in maintenance grants payments will apply to all students. The reductions in the rates of student grants were necessary to ensure that the system is not extended beyond what current resources will allow.