On 14 September 2000, I announced the creation of an action group on access to third level education to advise me on the development of a co-ordinated framework to promote access by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, mature students and students with disabilities to third level education. The creation of this group is in line with a commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
The Government is providing for a third level access fund totalling £95 million over the period 2000 to 2006 aimed at tackling under-representation by the three target groups.
As an indication of the Government's support in promoting equity in access and as a purely initial step, pending the findings of the action group, I announced the introduction of a special maintenance grant payable to disadvantaged grant holders, targeted at those most in need. The full rate of the special maintenance grant will increase from £1,775 to £2,000 for students residing more than 15 miles from college; and from £710 to £1,000 for students resident within 15 miles of college. The first instalment will be paid to eligible students early in 2001.
I have indicated that I expect some 10,000 students to benefit from this measure. This is a tentative estimate and the actual number of students to benefit will depend on the outcome to the action group's work. The group's terms of reference specifically require that it advise me, inter alia, on the identification and tracking of the target groups. The action group will advise on the operational details of the measure and, in the meantime, it is not necessary for grant holders to apply for the special rate of maintenance grant. Once details have been finalised, arrangements will be made by my Department to ensure all qualifying grant holders are placed on the special rate of maintenance grant.
