Commenting on the number of Education Maintenance Allowances applications that still haven't been processed for the 2008/09 academic year, Jenny Randerson, Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Education Minister said:
"It is unacceptable that nearly 6,000 students living in Wales still haven't received their Education Maintenance Allowances for 2008/2009.
"Last November, there was a massive backlog of applications for the EMA. Here we are at the start of the new academic term and some students still haven't received their allowance.
"This scheme was designed to provide cash incentive to keep students from low-income families to remain in full-time education. It is essential that the remaining backlog be dealt with as soon as possible.
"We need a skilled workforce here in Wales to boost our economy and this money could be vital in deciding if students remain in full-time education or not"