
When I asked about how the allowance was targeted it was generally felt that the banding levels of £10, £20 or £30 per week meant that EMA was well targeted to those who need help. Several of the students I spoke with were trying to find part time work; but without much success and they are currently using their EMA to buy books, equipment, basic essentials and their lunch.
EMA was put in place to support students like Sadie, who uses her EMA to pay for lunch and books and Ryan, who has been looking for part time work for several months.
I will continue to lobby the government to take action to help those who are already part way through their courses and to ensure that whatever new system they intend to bring in continues to provide the support that students like the ones I met need.