Following the Budget in March there was a report 'Supporting young people to achieve' which suggested that young people studying could continue to do so without the usual financial / family / educational disruption and receive support until they finished their courses. I would be grateful if anyone could let me know if there is any news on this, especially if there is a timetable of implementation, as this reform would greatly assist a significant numbers of those calling on our advice line.

It would be a welcome reform to allow for benefits to continue but I think that advisers and others must have been pointing out the problems faced by 19 year old and their parents for 10 years or more!

Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

My understanding is:

Deadline for comments on Treasury proposals: 30th Sept 2004 (PS, it's important that WR perspectives are fed into the consulation feedback)

Implementation of new SHP guidance: Spring 2005

Bill to amend legislation and allow IS to continue beyond age 19 for those in f/t non-advanced education and associated changes to ChB & Tax Credits: Autumn 2004? Implementation: April 2006.

In respect of IS for those in education aged 19, I can't see why the implmentation has to wait until April 2006. Is anyone pressing for implementation of this sooner? (eg October 2005).

Thanks for the reply Neil and for highlighting the concerns over why the implementation may take quite so long.

I have since found out that the Supporting young people consultation paper is an agenda item for the Greater Manchester Welfare Rights Adviser's Group at their next main meeting on the afternoon of Friday 16th July in Stockport - hopefully some strategies can be discussed, at least by those in the North West, then. Details of the meeting are available at www.gmwrag.org .