The direct grant scheme was abolished in 1975 and the HMC schools within the scheme became fully independent.[20] Local authorities were ordered to cease funding places at independent schools. This accounted for over quarter of places at 56 schools, and over half the places at 22 schools.[21] Between 1975 and 1983 funding was withdrawn from 11 voluntary-aided grammar schools, which became independent schools and full members of the HMC.[lower-alpha 1] The loss of state-funded places coinciding with the recession, put them under severe financial strain, and many became co-educational in order to survive.[20] A direct grant was partially revived between 1981 and 1997 with the Assisted Places Scheme, providing support for 80,000 pupils attending private and independent schools.[25]