Karl McCartney

By Karl McCartney Karlmccartney

I thought readers of The Lincolnite who are mature students might be interested to learn a little more about the introduction of loans for students aged 24 and over starting Level 3 courses, also known as 24+ Advanced Learning Loans.

High-quality adult learning and skills boost competitiveness and social mobility, which are essential for economic growth. At the same time we have to be realistic about where the Government should target funding. With nearly a million young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), the Government is right to prioritise grant funding for those most in need — young adults and those with lower skills.

Evidence shows that taking a Level 3 course brings significant benefits to individuals, and it is fair they should contribute towards the cost of the training when they are able to do so. That is why further education loans share the same progressive features as higher education finance – no up front costs and repayments beginning when learners earn over £21,000. This will ensure no one will be priced out of education and the Government is sending a clear message that both the further and higher education route are equally valued.

I recognise further education is more likely to support students facing disadvantages which may require additional financial support. That is why the Government is creating a more streamlined financing system and giving colleges much more flexibility to respond to individual needs, including access to discretionary support funds.

The introduction of 24+ Advanced Learning Loans will bring real help and support to mature learners, and that is why I fully support the Government in this matter.

Karl McCartney was the Conservative Lincoln MP between 2010 and 2017. He is now the Conservative candidate for the city for the next general elections.

By Karl McCartney Karlmccartney

In this week’s column, I want to outline for you what the Government is doing to encourage and support young people so that their business ideas come to fruition.

The Government wants to ensure that any 18-24 year old with a business idea is able to access finance, support and training to start a business. The £82.5 million StartUp Loan scheme will give the next generation of entrepreneurs the finance and support to potentially start over 30,000 new businesses.

Young people who access the scheme can expect to receive expert personal support and where the business plan is robust access a loan typically in the order of £2,500, with a repayment period of up to five years. This follows a report by Lord Young on enterprise which shows that if the UK had the same rates of entrepreneurship as the US we would have 900,000 more businesses in the UK and, also reaffirms the importance of boosting enterprise and economic growth.

It is now easier than ever before to start a business. The Government is running the Business in You campaign this year, highlighting the support available from the Government and private sector for start-ups and growing business. Although it is not just about money, it is important that young entrepreneurs have access to training, mentoring and business planning which is why the Government has pushed the Get Mentoring agenda and has recruited 16,000 business mentors so far.

I am sure you will join me in welcoming the Government’s commitment to ensuring that young entrepreneurs in Lincoln and around our Country have the tools they need to turn their ideas into the next global brand.

Karl McCartney was the Conservative Lincoln MP between 2010 and 2017. He is now the Conservative candidate for the city for the next general elections.