Students Cost of Living 2023-10-23
2023-10-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted rising costs and a fall in the value of student maintenance loans by £1,500 since 2020-21. She cited research showing that almost one in ten students had weekly budgets of £20 or less after rent, and one in five with £20 or less after rent and bills.
While the cost of food, heating, and rent has risen significantly, the value of the student maintenance loan has decreased by £1,500 since 2020-21. Recent research indicates that students' physical and mental health are being affected due to financial difficulties. Almost one in ten have weekly budgets under £20 after rent, with one in five having less than £20 a week for essentials after rent and bills. Thirty-seven per cent of these students considered leaving university because of the struggles they face paying for basic needs.
Due to the figures presented, we are providing £276 million to help disadvantaged students. Nottingham University offers a £1,000 bursary to disadvantaged students and receives additional support from the Government for energy bills.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether these conditions are acceptable
We Are Doing Everything Possible
Does Not Acknowledge The Specific Ask
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP reported that student visits to a campus food bank increased from 45 in the academic year 2021-22 to 301 in 2022-23, expecting a similar increase this year. This shows significant growth in regular food bank users among students and staff.
During my latest meeting with student leaders in Canterbury, they informed me that new students often visit the Campus Pantry before unpacking their bags due to financial strain. In 2021-22, 45 students used the service; by 2022-23, this number rose to 301—a 650% increase in regular food bank users. They anticipate a similar rise for the current academic year.
We have provided £276 million to support disadvantaged students, and Canterbury Christ Church University offers a £600 bursary. Families received an average of £3,300 from the Government for energy bills.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to address food bank usage among students
I Know The Hon. Lady Cares Deeply About Her Students
We Are Trying To Be Fair To The Taxpayer
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP cited research showing that one in five full-time students work more than 20 hours per week, impacting their studies negatively. This indicates a significant increase in the number of students working long hours to pay bills.
Recent National Union of Students research shows that almost one in five full-time students work over 20 hours weekly alongside their studies, and 40% say this work is having a negative impact on their studies. The MP questioned how the Government expects students to balance education and employment under these conditions.
The number of students going to university has increased significantly, with disadvantaged students 71% more likely to attend than in 2010. We provide a £276 million package for disadvantaged students and support through loan repayments if family incomes fall below 15%. The MP criticises but does not offer his own figures.
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Assessment & feedback
How the Government helps balance studies and employment under cost of living pressure
Actually, The Opposite Is True
We Are Doing Everything We Can
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted Higher Education Policy Institute analysis showing that students who received free school meals are less likely to complete their degree or achieve a high grade. This indicates ongoing challenges in ensuring equal opportunities.
The Minister mentioned some support measures, but recent analysis shows that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to complete degrees and get good grades when they do. The MP asked for details on the specific support provided at every stage of these students' education.
Many universities offer bursaries to disadvantaged students, such as examples cited earlier. Our reforms aim to ensure good skills and job opportunities for degree graduates, although the SNP opposed these changes.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support at every stage of education for disadvantaged students
Many Universities Offer Bursaries
The Snp Opposed Our Reforms
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the increase in food, heating, and rent costs affecting students' maintenance loans by £1,500 since 2020-21. This has led to financial difficulties impacting their education and mental health.
While costs of living have risen significantly, the value of student maintenance loans decreased by £1,500 since 2020-21. Students face severe financial strain affecting both physical and mental health. Almost one in ten students had weekly budgets under £20 after rent; one in five after rent and bills.
We provide £276 million to support disadvantaged students, including a £1,000 bursary from Nottingham University for disadvantaged students. Additional help is available through energy bills assistance.
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Assessment & feedback
Acceptability of these conditions
We Are Doing Everything We Can
Response accuracy