AM welcomes Welsh Government funding for 30,000 teenagers

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates has welcomed figures showing that more than 2,000 young people in Wrexham and Denbighshire are benefiting from the Welsh Government’s Education Maintenance Allowance.

The scheme provides a £30 weekly grant to 30,000 teenagers from low-income families across Wales, an average of £826 each per year, to help them continue their education.

In contrast, the Tory/Lib Dem UK Government has taken money from cash-strapped students in England by scrapping EMA over the border.

In response to the figures, Mr Skates said: “The Welsh Government’s decision to keep funding our poorest students is one I’m immensely proud of.

“This is in sharp contrast to the Tories and Lib Dems, who were seemingly in a rush to cut EMA as soon as they entered office.”

The latest Welsh Government figures show 1,141 young people in Wrexham are receiving EMA, in addition to 973 in Denbighshire.

Mr Skates added: “The EMA scheme is making a positive contribution to widening participation and helps in improving retention, punctuality and attendance.”

If you are unsure of whether you are eligible to claim EMA, you can visit: http://gov.wales/topics/educationandskills/learningproviders/further-education/fesupport/ema/?lang=en