I will simply not allow anyone to get away with bashing the EMA, it is one of the best policies this govt has brought in and in fact one of the best policies any govt has brought in for a very long time. Many of my class mates and friends are on the EMA and I know for a fact that it not only is a huge motivator in helping them continue in higher education and achieve their potential, but the money really, really helps them. Whether it be money for books or fare, even leisure, the fact remains that the scheme helps those who have least and potentially could get left behind with certain material.

There is no problem with gearing this for those who are most needy, it is not simply an incentive to go and stay on at college but it is a financial aide. Those higher up the social ladder not only do not need the monetary aide but also do not need that incentive in most cases.

If the system works - which it has been proved to do - why bash it? If we gain more people entering college, fulfilling their potential, contributing to society through better skilled labour, becoming more involved with the system rather than out on the streets everyday, what is the problem? There is a huge problem at college with motivation, I had it the first year I went to college, I dropped out, if I had been able to be on a system like EMA, I may not have bummed out. The fact remains that many people after they fail once do not try again, I did and I am glad for that fact, if the system not only stops people from failing first time but encourages people to come back into the system, then where is the negative?

This is the type of policy why I am a member of the Labour party and a passionate advocate of good old Gordon, it is significantly changing peoples lives, improving our society and economy all at the same time. A little social welfare in the form of an EMA is the new direction for the left and it proves to work. The EMA system, the tax credit system etc, it is significantly helping everyone and I really cannot understand why those who do not need the EMA system have such problems with those who do benefitting from it, it is complete and utter selfishness. Think long term, it only benefits you via an improved work force for the economy anyway and a better society.

he other problme is that it goes to him. He freely admits that hes saving up for his own car and that will help alot.
Damn right it should go to him and damn right if he saves for a care - is that not a significant benefit for him and an incentive to stay on and commit to the further education system? It just proves the point, remember you have to have very good attendance and behavior to actually get the cash from the EMA's they are no freebies.

BDC I have no sympathy for the case you outline, if someone has a morgage they do not need help, soon they will own property and be a fully paid up member of the middle classes. These systems should benefit those only who really need it and - funnily enough - drop out most.