Student and Graduate Finance Cost of Living 2022-01-31
2022-01-31
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The cost of living crisis is impacting students and graduates heavily, prompting concerns about the adequacy of current financial support.
What recent assessment has been made regarding the adequacy of student and graduate finance given the high costs of living?
We have frozen maximum tuition fees for the fifth year, saving a typical full-time student over £3,000 in fee loans. Grants and loans increased by 3.1% this academic year with another 2.3% increase planned.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address cost of living crisis impact on students and graduates specifically
Frozen Fees
Increase In Grants
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
High tuition fees have led to significant debt among English students compared to Scottish peers, compounded by the freezing of the loan repayment threshold and national insurance hike.
Given high tuition fees and frozen loan repayment thresholds, how does the Government plan to support students and graduates during this cost-of-living crisis?
Fees have been frozen for five years, saving £3,000 per student. Median non-graduate salaries are at £25,000; the system aims to be fair and sustainable for taxpayers who do not attend university.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or actions addressing cost-of-living crisis impact on students and graduates
Frozen Fees
Sustainable System
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's promise to freeze the student loan repayment threshold was broken, affecting graduates with high marginal tax rates due to the national insurance hike.
Why does the Minister think it is fair that graduates earning over £27,000 face a 42.25% marginal tax rate, given the break of the promise on freezing loan repayment thresholds?
Only a quarter of those taking out loans will fully repay them, reflecting different terms from commercial loans where payments adjust if someone loses their job or salary reduces.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address fairness and justice concerns about the current repayment system
Quarter Of Loan Takers
Payment Adjustments
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Universities have been providing remote learning due to health measures, leading some to question the value for money students are receiving.
Now that plan B has ended, should universities welcome back students to lecture halls or provide refunds given poor education quality through remote learning?
Agree that online learning is not a cost-cutting measure; universities must be transparent about what students can expect. Calling vice-chancellors if concerns arise over face-to-face provision.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Many students struggle to repay loans, leading some to be refused mortgages due to their debt. This prompts calls for the Government to address the situation.
How does the Minister plan to handle the current issues with student finance affecting mortgage eligibility and overall financial stability of graduates?
Contrary to assertions, student loans do not affect mortgage applications. Committed to a sustainable funding model supporting quality education and addressing skills gaps.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific plans or actions regarding mortgage eligibility impact of student debt
Student Loans Not Affecting Mortgages
Sustainable Funding
Response accuracy