What are the Government’s plans to ensure that the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is taken up by all eligible students as part of the work on the Welsh Benefits Charter, given that the number of learners applying for EMA has decreased,
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip launched the Phase One Route Map for the Welsh Benefits Charter last week. It contains the priority actions ensuring people in Wales can present their evidence only once to claim Council Tax Reduction, Free School Meals and Schools Essentials Grant in each local authority in Wales by April 2026. Phase One is just the start of the journey with future phases considering how other Welsh benefits, grants and payments including Education Maintenance Allowance are brought into the programme. Until then, we will continue to work with our partners in the Student Loans Company and our colleges and schools across Wales to actively promote our EMA Scheme.