CYPES
Ministerial Decision Report
EDUCATION (GRANTS AND ALLOWANCES) (JERSEY) ORDER 2018
Law-Drafting Instructions
- Purpose
To seek the Minister for Children and Education’s approval to issue an instruction to the Principal Legislative Drafter to amend the Education (Grants and Allowances) (Jersey) Order 2018 (jerseylaw.je).
- Background
The above Order has recently been subject to scrutiny by the Director General for Children, Education, Young People and Skills in respect of the assessment requirements for grant applications from dependent students residing in single, separated, divorced or widowed households.
2.1. The Issue
The outcome of this assessment is that present practice should be reviewed to ensure that applications benefit from the greatest clarity, consistency and compliance with the Order.
Given that applications for the 2021-22 academic year grant awards have been received from the beginning of 2021, it is considered reasonable for these to be concluded in line with existing practice. The outcomes of the review will, therefore, impact on all applications for the academic year 2022-23 onwards (or until such time as a new scheme is introduced).
In light of the above, it is requested that the Principal Legislative Drafter be instructed to review the Order and, as required, make amendments to support the timely completion of the applications for the 2021-22 academic year in line with current practice.
This matter has now become in urgent need of resolution as “A” Level results are due out the week commencing 9th August 2021 and there is an expectation among applicants that grant determinations will be finalised and issued once University offers have been accepted and communicated to Student Finance.
- Recommendation
3.1. The Minister is recommended to approve the request to issue an instruction to the Principal Law Drafter to review and, as required, amend the Order.
- Reasons for Decision
4.1. The instruction is required to ensure that applications for the 2021-22 academic year are assessed and determined in a timely manner.
- Resource Implications
5.1. There are no resource implications arising from the decision.
Report author: Director General CYPES | Document date: 04 August 2021 |