SNP MSP Emma Roddick has secured a commitment from the Scottish Government to improve access to the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for young people experiencing homelessness. EMA is a weekly payment issued directly to students and aims to support and encourage young people from low-income households to remain in education and achieve their full potential. A recent report by Shelter Scotland highlighted challenges faced by young people living in temporary accommodation, which can make it difficult for them to meet the attendance criteria required to receive the £30 per week payment. In light of this report, the Highlands and Islands representative, who has experience of homelessness, asked the Scottish Government to review the guidance so that young people experiencing homelessness do not miss out on this vital payment.

In his response, Graeme Dey, Minister for Higher and Further Education, confirmed the Scottish Government will strengthen the guidance on applying flexibility to the attendance criteria for vulnerable young people, including those experiencing homelessness.

Ms Roddick said:

“Young people experiencing homelessness deserve all the support we can give. Homelessness already has lifelong effects, and any young person managing to keep up their studies despite this experience should be rewarded and encouraged, not criticised and punished.

“The Education Maintenance Allowance is often a lifeline for young people who aren’t well off, want to stay in education, but would otherwise feel pressured to go and get a job instead.

“The Shelter Scotland report highlighted the significant challenges that young people in temporary accommodation face – they have little control over the location they’re in, their routines are disrupted, and they might have difficult experiences.

“One of the consequences of this is that they will struggle to meet the attendance criteria to get the weekly payment, through no fault of their own.

“The last thing these young folk need is to be financially penalised – they need compassion and understanding. I was delighted to see the SNP Government respond to me with a commitment to strengthen the guidance on flexibility for students living in temporary accommodation.

”I encourage local authorities to make the best use of this flexibility, to ensure students experiencing homelessness are financially supported during an incredibly difficult period in their lives.”