2,647 teenagers in Brighton & Hove will be breathing a sigh of relief after Labour and the Save EMA campaign forced the Tory-led government into an embarrassing climbdown on the education maintenance allowance (EMA).

The Tory-led Government broke their promise to young people and scrapped the EMA, but under threat of legal challenge the Tory-led Government have agreed to honour their commitments to existing students, who are halfway through their course.

Labour and the Save EMA campaign forced the government to back track due to the threat of legal action on behalf of students who believe their two-year contracts for study had been breached by the decision to axe the EMA.

However, the fight goes on to secure better support for other young people who have lost out as a result of the Government’s broken promises.

Brighton & Hove Labour Leader, Councillor Gill Mitchell, said:

“The Tory-led government’s reckless decision to scrap the EMA will really hurt students and their families in Brighton & Hove but thanks to the Labour party and the Save EMA at least at least 2,647 young people and their families in Brighton & Hove will get some support next year.”

Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary Andy Burnham MP, who recently visited Brighton & Hove’s City College to talk to students worried about losing their EMA, said:

“This is a small victory for Labour and the Save EMA campaign that the poorest students who are halfway through their course will continue to receive financial support next year. 

“Young people are bearing the brunt of this chaotic Government. With youth unemployment at almost one million we should be investing in young people – not making things harder for them.”

James Mills, who runs the Save EMA campaign, said:

“It is thanks to the Labour party that we have managed to force a partial climbdown from the Government, but we need to carry on as they are still planning to cut the money to 16-19 year olds who want to stay in further education by 70%. Governments should help not hinder young people in places like Brighton & Hove.”