LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS in Moray where members are undertaking a course of Further or Higher education should benefit from an increase in financial support.
The boost came from the Cabinet Secretary for Lifelong Learning Angela Constance, who has this week revealed that households with an income of up to £24,000 will receive £125 more in the current academic year.
Welcomed by Moray’s MSP as a move that will help people from the poorest backgrounds, the increase in financial support for students is being billed as evidence of the Scottish Government’s commitment to widening access to education.
The change includes an increase in the threshold for receiving the maximum bursary which is raised from £17,000 to £19,000. Richard Lochhead MSP has said that this will help young people to achieve the “education they want with fewer financial barriers”.
The Moray MSP said: “This Scottish Government has a strong track record when it comes to education – and today’s announcement is a further welcome boost for students from lower-income households here in Moray and across Scotland.
“I am very proud that we have not only defended free higher education throughout our time in government but are taking real action to ensure people from our poorest backgrounds get the support they need to attend university.
“Access to education for everyone in Scotland – regardless of background – is fundamental in making Scotland a fairer, more equal country – and this latest announcement is a further welcome step in ensuring that everyone can achieve their full potential.”
Full details of the announcement can be found on the Scottish Government Website.