Welcome for uplift to Education Maintenance Allowance

The Bevan Foundation welcomes the Welsh Government’s decision to increase Education Maintenance Allowance to £40 a week.

The Bevan Foundation is delighted that the Welsh Government has decided to increase Education Maintenance Allowance to £40 a week.  The uplift was announced by Welsh Government Education Minister on 17th April 2023, and takes effect from the summer term 2023.  

Education Maintenance Allowance is paid to learners aged 16-18 from low-income households who are in full-time education.  The Bevan Foundation’s research had revealed that the former rate of £30 a week had been unchanged for more than 15 years despite increases in the cost of living, and that many students from poorer backgrounds were struggling as a result.  

For some time, the Bevan Foundation has urged Welsh Ministers and Senedd members to increase the weekly amount of EMA and raise the earnings threshold in line with inflation.  We have welcomed the cross-party support that our calls won, and the Welsh Government’s subsequent commitment to review EMA. 

The Education Minister’s announcement will provide immediate help with the cost of living to 16,000 learners who currently receive EMA. The Welsh Government has also commissioned a review of EMA, the findings from which we hope will put in place arrangements for sustainable funding for low-income learners.