06 Oct 2004
Problems with the Student Loans Company (SLC) computer system continue to dog Local Education Authorities (LEAs), according to confidential documents leaked to Computing.
Slow response times from the web-based Protocol system have forced LEAs to employ temporary staff and work around the clock to process applications in time for the start of the academic year.
And of the UK's 172 local authorities, the 30 worst-hit have invoked contingency plans which involve loaning returning students a sum based on last year's assessments, and sending batches of applications by post for central processing at SLC headquarters.
Wandsworth Borough Council estimates it has spent £15,000 to mitigate problems with Protocol.
'The only way we've managed to deliver has been to take on extra staff and work extra hours, but the software hasn't made that easy for us,' said a Wandsworth spokesman.
The DfES declined to comment.
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