A guide to financial support for further education students in 2022 – 23
Summary of Information
In July 2022 the IMA conducted a review of The Further Education (Student Support) (Eligibility) (Amendment etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (“the Regulations”), and identified that the accompanying guidance, ‘A guide to financial support for further education students in 2022/23’, which is published by the Education Authority was not compatible with the Citizens’ Rights Agreements.
The guidance has not been updated to reflect the position of pending applicants (in-time or late) and joining family members who are protected by Articles 18(2) and (3) of the Withdrawal Agreement and Articles 17(2) and (3) of the EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
Summary of Actions and Evidence
The IMA have agreed a 3-month monitoring period as part of an Early Case Resolution. The actions to complete the Early Case Resolution which the Executive Office, Northern Ireland have agreed to are set out below:
- The Executive Office, Northern Ireland to liaise with the Education Authority to take the necessary steps to ensure the guidance is updated to reflect the position of pending applicants (in-time or late) and joining family members who are protected by Articles 18(2) and (3) of the Withdrawal Agreement and Articles 17(2) and (3) of the EEA EFTA Separation Agreement by 31 May 2023.
- The IMA to continue to liaise with the Executive Office, Northern Ireland to determine whether any otherwise eligible students who fall within Articles 18(2) or (3) of the Withdrawal Agreement or Articles 17(2) or (3) of the EEA EFTA Separation Agreement have been incorrectly assessed by the Education Authority, and any action that has been taken as a result.
Summary of Decision
The IMA considers that the actions proposed will resolve the potential concerns identified.
The IMA will monitor the Executive Office’s compliance with these actions with a proposed end date of 31 May 2023. The IMA will publish an update at the end of the monitoring phase.
Update of Monitoring Period
The IMA has concluded the monitoring period with The Executive Office, Northern Ireland and consider the actions that have been completed has resolved the potential concerns identified.
However, should the IMA receive any further intelligence or complaints regarding the issue in future, further enquiries may be made with the relevant public authority, wherever necessary.
