MP to meet minister over orphan grants

1:22pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Ministers have agreed to meet with a Bradford MP to discuss proposals to make local authorities give cash to orphans to help them stay in education.

Shipley MP Philip Davies tabled an amendment to the Education and Skills Bill calling for local authorities to provide orphans with an allowance of between £100 and £200 a week in addition to any other benefits. The cash should also increase in line with the retail price index each year and would be given to 16 to 21-year-olds in full-time education.

The amendment was chosen by Commons Speaker Michael Martin but was not debated due to lack of time.

Mr Davies called for ministers to consider the move to provide statutory support to orphans such as Kirsty Oldfield, a student at Salt Grammar School, Baildon, who, despite working 16 hours a week, feared she would have to leave school because she could not make her rent and living costs.

An appeal in the Telegraph and Argus raised tens of thousands of pounds for Kirsty, ensuring she can stay in education.

Mr Davies told the Commons: "Ministers have shown a great deal of interest in her cases, for which she is very grateful. Could such a provision still be introduced at this late hour, perhaps by an amendment in the House of Lords?"

Schools Minister Jim Knight said Young People's Minister Kevin Brennan would meet Mr Davies.

Mr Knight said: "He would be happy to meet him to discuss how we might be able to take forward the concerns that he raised through the new clause that he was unable to move."

Mr Davies said while there were no promises it was positive the minister had agreed to discuss the move.

He said: "It is bad enough young people find themselves in this situation, it is the least we can do. If they want to stay on in education and have the talent, it is essential we help them and give them the opportunity."

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