MSP and MP challenge Government over mature students’ funding
Mark Griffin MSP and Gregg McClymont MP recently met with Cumbernauld man George Stirling to discuss lack of funding from the Scottish Government for over 55s who are embarking upon college courses.
Mr Stirling, a local DJ, has enquired about funding should he take up a place on an HNC Music Production course at Cumbernauld College, but has been told that he is not eligible due to a strict age limit. The pair have jointly written to the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education to ask why mature students are being excluded from funding opportunities.
Mr Stirling said:
"It seems unfair that because I’m just over the 55 age limit that I can’t gain access to the same funding as younger people doing exactly the same course."
Mark said:
"The SNP Government should be endeavouring to make it easier for people of all ages in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and across Scotland to access further education courses. Instead, by cutting budgets and forcing colleges to merge, they have made it more difficult.
"It is deeply unfair that Mr Stirling is being discriminated against because of his age, and it is important that the Cabinet Secretary for Education looks into this matter and takes appropriate action."
Gregg said:
"Mr Stirling is a popular local DJ and gaining access to this course could only improve his prospects. There doesn’t seem to be any justification for the arbitrary age limit of 55.
"We know that The SNP have slashed college funding dramatically, which has resulted in college mergers amongst other things. This age limit is just further evidence of wrong priorities when it comes to Further Education."
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