Council in London invests £1.1m million into children’s education amid cost-of-living crisis

Tower Hamlets Council has invested over £1m in post-16 education to help young people through their studies as costs continue to soar.

Two new schemes, the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and the University Bursary Award (UBA), have been signed off by Mayor Lutfur Rahman to assist children who want to stay in education after turning 16.

The funds are part of the Mayors commitment to support young people to have better opportunities and are more important now given the cost-of-living crisis, which is putting pressure on family budgets.

The EMA, a financial scheme applicable to students and people undertaking unpaid work experience in the UK, currently offers eligible teenagers £30 a week which is paid in fortnightly instalments.

However, Tower Hamlets Council is offering a £400 payment to students to support them with their studies for the 2022/23 academic year.

A further funding package of £500k has been announced by the council for the EMA which will support an estimated 1,250 young people.

Mr Rahman’s UBA scheme will support students with living costs at university – eligible teens can apply for a £1,500 payment to assist with undergraduate costs such as accommodation and books.

The total £600k of funding that is being invested into the programme will help 400 students in the first year.

Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: ‘I am delighted to announce the Education Maintenance Allowance and University Bursary Award schemes that will help minimise the financial challenges for young people pursuing further education. 

‘This financial support will help give young people the confidence and encouragement to continue their studies amid the cost-of-living crisis.

‘Education is very close to my heart and supporting lifelong learning is a priority for my administration.

‘It is vital that young people are supported to reach their full potential and given the tools and opportunities to become the future leaders of the next generation.’

Councillor Maium Talukdar, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: ‘Every young person deserves a chance for an excellent education, irrespective of their financial circumstances. 

‘The announcement of these two schemes demonstrates the council’s commitment to supporting the young people in Tower Hamlets at a time when many families are struggling.’

Photo by MD Duran