Students Cost of Living Support 2022-11-28
2022-11-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Office for National Statistics reported over half of students face financial difficulties, a quarter taking on extra debts. Student union reps confirmed these figures.
Students must not be the forgotten victims of the cost of living crisis. Will the Minister look at the Open University's recommendations calling for extension of maintenance loans to part-time undergraduate students, an extension to parents' living allowance and childcare grant, and introduction of maintenance bursaries for those in most need?
I have great admiration for the Open University and will look at those recommendations carefully. The Government are doing everything possible to help students with financial hardship through the £261 million student premium, energy bill discounts, special hardship funds, reassessment of living costs support, and interest rates increasing in line with retail price index.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing or implementing specific recommendations from the Open University
Will Look At Carefully
Doing Everything Possible
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A written parliamentary question asked if an equalities analysis was conducted to assess the impact of rising prices on students, especially those from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds.
The Government had not done an equalities analysis. Do they know how the cost of living is affecting students from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds?
We are aware that the cost of living affects students from all backgrounds, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students can draw on the £261 million student premium and access hardship funds if needed. We have increased maximum loans and grants by 2.3% to help with financial hardships.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific data or analysis about disadvantaged students, only general statements
Aware Of The Impact
Increased Maximum Loans And Grants
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A previous question asked about equalities analysis of rising costs on students, with no response indicating such an analysis was done.
Do the Government have any idea how rising prices are affecting students from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds?
We know that rising costs affect all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students can draw on the £261 million student premium and apply for hardship funds if their living costs increase significantly. We have increased maximum loans and grants by 2.3% to help.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific data or analysis provided about disadvantaged students, only general statements
Aware Of The Impact
Increased Maximum Loans And Grants
Response accuracy