Free Computer & Internet Access for Children aged 7-14 of Low Income Families

effalump4

andiepool wrote: »

Does anybody know if this scheme is going to be available in Scotland or will we be the ones to miss out???? I have a son at 14 and my computer has just given up the ghost. He is at an age where he really needs a computer for homework and coursework as his school workload is steadily starting to increase now he is coming towards the final years of his schooling. We are currently borrowing a laptop from a neighbour but this isn't an ideal situation as she uses it herself for her home business and lets us use it for about an hour in the evening so my son can get his homework done.
This would be ideal for us, I am a disabled, single Mum in reciept of benefits and would, as I have previously said, help us greatly.
If someone could let me know if this scheme is going to be available to all across the UK, rather than just England, I would be very grateful.
Thanks.

at 14 even in england unless in years 3 to 9 at school they are not allowed this grant. damn silly if you ask me what child at the age of 7 should be allowed a computer they should be out playing safely and not on a pc. i can see where those computers are going, also years 6 to 11 would have been better i think. exams etc.,

effalump4

marshallka wrote: »

I have emailed number 10 but I guess it will go straight to the junk mail box BUT at least I have tried and also "use" your vote in the elections. You don't have to put up and shut up. I won't and i will fight it all the way.

I understand what you mean about the "stolen" thing. Its so wrong. I have to pay household insurance for that.

here here... i fully agree. strange set up all around. ages 7 for a start what on earth do they need a pc for. my son cant get one he is 14 but in year 10 at school about to take exams.... next year... should be entitled on any low income but ages 11 plus i think ready for senior school

Zziggi

marshallka wrote: »

People can use the PC at work you know or when visiting a friend. It does not mean that because someone posts on here that they necessarily already have a PC.

Possibly true (but perhaps unlikely). So you'll equally believe people (who qualify for the scheme) when they say that they use a friend's computer when visiting them (equally possibly true but equally unlikely)?


Or will it be a case of we'll believe working people when they say they have no home computer & internet and accept their excuse that they are using work's computer BUT if the person is eligible for the Home Access grant we'll instantly think they are lying and won't believe it when they say they are using a friends computer/the Library's computer?

marshallka

Zziggi wrote: »

Possibly true (but perhaps unlikely). So you'll equally believe people (who qualify for the scheme) when they say that they use a friend's computer when visiting them (equally possibly true but equally unlikely)?


Or will it be a case of we'll believe working people when they say they have no home computer & internet and accept their excuse that they are using work's computer BUT if the person is eligible for the Home Access grant we'll instantly think they are lying and won't believe it when they say they are using a friends computer/the Library's computer?

I have also said that i don't think the whole scheme is right. If the goverment had money to throw away then perhaps there are things more worthy to spend it on anyway.

Perhaps a fairer way would be a reduction in tax for those working on low incomes (enough to help with costs of buying one if they are intent on spending on computers and they have become essential items) and a small amount by way of a reduction card towards a computer for those not.:D

Zziggi

marshallka wrote: »

I have also said that i don't think the whole scheme is right. If the goverment had money to throw away then perhaps there are things more worthy to spend it on anyway.

Perhaps a fairer way would be a reduction in tax for those working on low incomes (enough to help with costs of buying one if they are intent on spending on computers and they have become essential items) and a small amount by way of a reduction card towards a computer for those not.:D

There are loads of problems with the scheme Mashallka. Personally I don't see why my DS (free school meals, eligible for Home Access grant) couldn't have been LENT a laptop from school for the duration. Not sure how the internt question would be dealt with tho. But I would have been over the moon at that arrangement -so would my son. Also he'd probably take more care of it because it 'belongs to school'. Also there would be the advantage of bulk buying for the school (if they have lots of kids on free school meals). At my DS's school, they could maybe have got 12 laptops to share out from 10 free school mealers (not classed as a 'deprived' area).

I benefit from the scheme but I do see faults. I blame the government who are running the scheme not the recipients of the scheme.

fazeypie

A lot of schools in the more deprived areas would never see the laptops again, it's sad but true. I know of a few schools here in Coventry where children can't even take books home due to theft or damage.
The benefits system is completely flawed, there's a situation now where some are better off not working, some mothers can't afford to move in with new partners due to loss of tax credits and low income families can't claim any help and are struggling to get by. I think the upcoming election could be very interesting. Even though I will hopefully benefit from this scheme, i think the govt will need to do a lot more to win my favour.

cattie1

Zziggi wrote: »

Possibly true (but perhaps unlikely). So you'll equally believe people (who qualify for the scheme) when they say that they use a friend's computer when visiting them (equally possibly true but equally unlikely)?


Or will it be a case of we'll believe working people when they say they have no home computer & internet and accept their excuse that they are using work's computer BUT if the person is eligible for the Home Access grant we'll instantly think they are lying and won't believe it when they say they are using a friends computer/the Library's computer?

I would just like to point out that I do not have access to a pc, I am writing this using my mobile phone. The problem being I can't click on links, and can only go on certain websites eg facebook this and msn etc. Not helpful to a schoolchild!
I've already pointed out I think it's a good idea but my problem lies with the government.

cattie1

I also agree it would have made more sense to offer the computers to 14years and above.

cattie1

I have just rang the helpline and was told 'basically no matter how low your income if you work and are in receipt of working tax credits you do not qualify'. The company who made the decisions/rules and who you should contact to complain to is Becta.
I'm not having a go at any! I understand that there are reasons people don't work, I just don't think the government are giving any incentive for people to go out and work!

bestpud

Goodness only knows how they would check this, but I think it would be more beneficial to offer this to families with an income of less than, say £18k or £20k, and only if they don't have a home computer already.

I can see the benefit of it but it seems odd they don't care whether people already have the internet at home. In that sense it seems more about giving a computer to families on benefits than providing one for children with no internet access at home iyswim, and yet the latter is what it says it is set up for.

But then there always has to be a cut off point and the boards would be full of parents saying they earn £20,100 a year and cannot get one...