Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the value was of enhanced learning credits that expired in the 2022-23 financial year.

The Ministry of Defence’s Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme promotes lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. The scheme provides financial support in each of a maximum of three separate Financial Years (FY) for higher level learning of a nationally recognised qualification at Level 3 or above on the Recognised Qualification Framework or, if pursued overseas, an approved international equivalent qualification with an approved learning provider.

A total of 27,543 ELC registered Service personnel reached their Scheme expiry date in FY 2022-23. Out of this number, 2,741 fully utilised their entitlement. The requested information on the value of expired ELC credits is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost; eligibility for lower and higher tier awards varies by time in service, and personnel may choose to use some (or none) of their three possible claims, and/or not claim their full entitlement.