STUDENTS in Lancashire are more likely than others around the country to get their grant cheques on time, according to a study.

Lancashire County Council awards 98 per cent of university students with their cheques on time, compared with the national average of 95 per cent.

Late arrival of cheques can cause major problems for students, often forcing them to borrow money and make temporary financial arrangements.

Local education authorities are responsible for assessing the financial circumstances of students' families and for paying grants.

Andrew Foster, controller of the Audit Comission, who carried out the study, said: "I welcome the improvements which the authorities have made to the administration of student grants.

"Many councils have shown that with a clear focus on the needs of students and their parents and on performance, they can pay all the grants on time.

"But some authorities are still failing behind and they need to follow the example of the best authorities to help them improve."

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