Sammy Wilson MP MLA

“Wilson calls for concessions for pensioners”

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson has called for concessionary fess to be applied to pensioners who wish to take up courses at educational institutions.

Mr Wilson said:

“I have been contacted by many of many constituents on this issue of concessionary fees for pensioners. In some cases concessionary fees have been pulled and there are great variations between colleges.

I have raised this with the Minister for Employment and Learning and I am pleased that the Department is now working with the Colleges to look at eligibility criteria for fees, which hopefully will increase the number of pensioners who benefit from concessionary fees. I have also been assured by the Minister that consistent approaches will be in place for the start of the 2008/2009 academic year.

I welcome this move as many pensioners enjoy taking part in these courses and have been hit hard by rising food and fuel prices, and so concessionary fees are welcome. I would hope that this will also encourage pensioners who have not previously taken up these courses because of the cost.”

ENDS

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