8.
In paragraph 282 the Commission recommended that local officers should be eligible to claim school passages for children educated in the U.K. This recommendation has been accepted, and school passages will be given to local officers in respect of education allowances for their children being educated in the U.K. on a similar basis to the arrangements set out in E.C. No.33/72 of 14th June 1972. The earliest passage will be in respect of the term commencing September 1972, provided the passage to the U.K. is not taken before 15th August 1972.
Level of Allowances
9.
In paragraph 250 of their Report, the Commission recommended that assistance towards overseas education should in future be given at whatever rate is provided under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme from time to time. This proposal has been accepted provided the amount of the allowances does not exceed the school fees.
10.
The current rates applicable to the United Kingdom under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme are as follows:
First child
Second child
Third and cach subsequent child.
£330 per academic year
£393
#
£471
#t
11
#1
Age Limit for Children Eligible for assistance
11.
In paragraph 251(a) of their Report, the Commission recommended that there should be no minimum age limit for children eligible for assistance towards overseas education and that the maximum age limit should remain at 18. However, it has been decided that the present minimum age limit of 11 should continue to apply.
12.
It has also been decided that the maximum age limit should be raised to 19 provided that the children are attending secondary schools approved by Government or following a secondary course in, for example, a technical college which leads to '0' level or 'A' level examinations or equivalent.
Number of Children Eligible for Assistance
13.
At present overseas education allowances are payable for not more than three children of an officer, while there is no limit under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme. As already announced in Establishment Circular No.11/72, it has been decided that the number of children in respect of whom an officer may claim school passages should be increased from 3 to 4. To be consistent with this decision, it has been decided that payment of overseas education allowances should be limited to four children.
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