Should EMA be kept?
 

I receive £30 and strongly in support of it staying. Even if I didnt get it I would still think the concept should keep going.

Obviously you will have some people abuse the privaledge, and Im gonna admit Ive treat myself with the fund and would do if something I wanted cropped up, but I use it for what its for too. Have actually saved most of it (currently have £300, spent £90 - £30 on myself and gave £60 to mum).

Is EMA what university students get too?

My mate from school has had problems financially, couldnt get the loans because hes doing a part time course...but couldnt get some form of funding either (not sure what it was, something regular D: ) and applied for jobseekers...for which he got turned down as he was not available for work due to his course. The jobcentre advised him to DROP his uni course, halfway through. Just so he could claim jobseekers :bored:

Now if thats not sending out the wrong message then I dont know what is

No.

In my experience absolutely noone used the EMA for its intended purpose - books, travel, stationery - but instead spent it on lunch, going out at the weekend etc.

Besides, with the age of compulsory education raising to 18 this year, it's entirely pointless - it would cost the government billions.

I agree with this. It's not like the money is needed anyway

To some people it is needed........................

If its needed then go get a job hehehehe

Find me 1 then, and all the other people who need the money.

Edit: hehehehe

mkay, let me just get my book of jobs out

i understand that some people need it, its just that the majority see it as free money, so why not take it anyway.

I'm sure if you tried hard enough, you would be able to find a job

I think they could design a better system less open to abuse. Like for those who need it to travel to school they should be able to apply for a free bus/train pass or something instead.

When drastic cuts are being made I dont think you can justify handing out money to kids who wont use it the way it's intended

Hasn't it been scrapped?

Perhaps, but why would I want to lose my weekend because I have to go to work anyway?
I have the whole future to work my arse off everyday, and Id rather have the time to get on with school work whilst being able to balance it out by just relaxing and having fun at the weekend. Im still young and would like to enjoy that thanks.

I think if the application was designed for just people with financial difficulties it would work better, I know quite a few well-off people who get it o.o

I see what you mean and everything, but I disagree, I think that if a person really does need the money, they should be willing to work to receive it.

I also think that its unfair that some people get it and some don't. Just because your parents might earn more doesn't mean that you automatically get the money every single week.

I take it you dont get it? :tongue:

What do you spend it on though?

Surprisingly your right.

Ive not really used it for education lol, ive just saved it up
Only the odd book and a laptop if it counts as educational :p

Jords you've just said you save it - you clearly don't need it for weekly expenses.

Saved most of it, have gave £60 to help out over Xmas (well £90, but she gave me £30 back), then £30 on food/drink/a DVD. I use the money I get other ways before I dip into EMA. I have £300 atm, should have £90 going in at the end of the week.

/is one of the sensible kinds though


And I think its very much people who get it want it kept vs. jelousy of people who dont. Their parents are better off though so on a whole get treat more -.-

yeah I spotted the contradiction.

Hang about! Do schoolkids get money these days?

So how did that go to helping your education?

I think the desire to keep the money is more prominent in those who do get it, than the jealousy is in those who don't tbh. As in, I think it is a more influencing factor in their stance on this.

Yeah, Its for 16 - 18 year olds, I'm not sure if you get it at uni or not though

just encourages them not to work if you ask me. Free money is never a good motivator.

I agree with this