Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Higher Education: Learning Lost to Covid-19

Monday 1 November 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Paul Blomfield raised concerns about supporting universities and students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting mental health issues among first-year students.
  • Blomfield questioned the impact of rising student debt and administrative costs on the recovery of learning losses caused by the pandemic.
  • Julian Lewis inquired about measures to prevent harsh pension reductions for university staff facing a 35% cut, which could lead to strikes impacting students.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Blomfield Lab
Education Mental Health
Context

The question arises from concerns about the impact of remote learning during the pandemic on both university teaching and student mental health.

Question

I am concerned about steps to support (a) universities and (b) students in higher education to make up for lost learning experiences due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Recent ONS reports indicate nearly 40% of first-year students have shown symptoms of depression, unpreparedness for university life, and other challenges.

Answer from Michelle Donelan

Throughout the pandemic we have prioritised welfare and wellbeing of students. We are responding to the Augar report shortly. Transition support includes a session with over 200 schools and higher education providers, a guide published for transition assistance, £15 million invested in mental health support, and £3 million provided by the Office for Students for Student Space.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address rumours about student debt repayments or provide specific timeline for responding to Augar report

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Q2 Paul Blomfield Lab
Context

Concerns over the impact of potential changes to student debt repayments and criticism of university administration costs.

Question

Does the Minister agree that increasing student debt repayment concerns, alongside high administrative costs in universities, would hinder recovery from pandemic-related learning losses?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

In response to Augar, we aim to ensure a sustainable student finance system. We focus on quality of higher education provision, skills needs, maintaining reputation and promoting social mobility.

Not addressed: Did not address rumours about lower repayment threshold or excessive administrative costs in universities

How: Changing Subject To Augar Report

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Q3 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Education Benefits & Welfare
Context

University staff facing severe cuts to their retirement benefits and potential strikes.

Question

The Minister has rightly acknowledged university staff's efforts during the pandemic. However, they face a 35% cut in pensions and lump sums. Given this situation, what measures is she taking to prevent these harsh pension reductions?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

I am concerned about the threat of strikes impacting students. I urge lecturers to reconsider strike action and remind them that face-to-face teaching is now possible.

Not addressed: Did not address pension reduction or provide measures for staff protection

How: Changing Subject To Impacts Of Strikes

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