Gisela Stuart MPWorking hard for Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne and Quinton

Free Laptops and Broadband // February 8th, 2010 // Constituency News

The Government has launched a scheme to give 270,000 low income families a free computer and free broadband access, under a major drive to close the digital and educational divide between rich and poor and help keep parents in touch with their child’s progress.

Hundreds of families with school age children across the Edgbaston Constituency could benefit from the scheme.

Eligibility for the Home Access Grant is based on the Free Schools Meal criteria which means that applicants can apply if they are registered for Free School Meals or if they receive one of the qualifying benefits (income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit and an income of less than £16,040, income-based Employment Support Allowance or the Guaranteed element of the Pension Credit).

Applicants will also have to meet the other eligibility criteria, namely: They have a child in years 3-9; They attend a state-maintained school in England or have their place paid for by an English Local Authority or DCSF; They have not benefited under Home Access or CfP in the past.

Carers and foster parents for Looked After Children in school years 1 to 13 are likely to also be eligible for Home Access.

Gisela Stuart is urging local parents to check whether they qualify under the ‘Home Access programme’ by calling 0333 200 1004 or visiting www.homeaccess.org.uk   

Gisela said:

“Computers are no longer a luxury for the few, but these days are just as essential a part of education as books, pens and paper.

“That’s why I welcome this new scheme to make sure children without the internet at home aren’t left behind.  It will give children the opportunity to do coursework and research on the internet - helping children succeed in school and get the skills they need to get good jobs in the future.

“It will also help parents get more involved in their child’s education, develop new skills and apply for jobs online.”

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