Erm...EMA anyone?

The Institute for Fiscal Studies have published a report on Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in which they argue it is far more effective than the government are giving it credit for.

EMA did look a little like a bribe when it was introduced. But the IFS make an interesting case, in part at least. However it would be unwise to rely too heavily on this IFS report if you are opposed to Coalition education policy. The IFS' strength is their independence. So it is relevant to point out that the IFS have reported that the Coalition's proposals on tuition fees are more progressive than the current system. And yes they don't just say the tuition proposals are more progressive they say they're complicated too. Interesting that, nuanced, thoughtful and finding good and bad in a policy. Though a little short on hyperbole, for those who like that sort of thing.

I wonder whether the fuss over fees (over the top in my mind) is drowning out the less well understood EMA issue. The case could be made that strengths in the tuition deal for the poorest are undermined by the withdrawal of EMA. Rather than accusing Lib Dems of betrayal maybe the more fruitful project would be to argue for consistency and joined up policy. Not as immediately rewarding as protest but a bit more useful.

The first post

I have been meaning to start blogging for a while now, not because I have anything particularly interesting to write. But there's nothing on the telly and hasn't been for a few years now....so blogging it is.