Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Students: Cost of Living

Monday 24 October 2022 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Cat Smith asked the Secretary of State about the difficulties faced by around 300,000 students and inquired about the report from MillionPlus.
  • The Secretary of State responded that he has not seen the report but offered to meet with Cat Smith if she has specific issues to raise.
  • Desmond Swayne highlighted the disparity between the increase in student maintenance loans and the rise in inflation, accommodation, food, and transport costs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Education
Context

Students from the University of Lancaster and the University of Cumbria are facing difficulties highlighted in the MillionPlus report, “Learning with the lights off,” which mentions 300,000 students struggling.

Question

I have been hearing from students from the University of Lancaster and the University of Cumbria, and I share the concerns of the organisation MillionPlus, whose report highlights the difficulties that around 300,000 students are facing. Has the Secretary of State seen the report, and will he meet me and representatives of MillionPlus to discuss how the report's recommendations on bringing immediate grant support to students could be implemented by his Government?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

I am afraid that I have not yet seen the report, but I will ask my team to dig it out and give it a look over. If the hon. Lady has specific issues that she wants to raise, I will be more than happy to meet her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to meeting with MillionPlus representatives or implementing their recommendations specifically

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Q2 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Context

The questioner inquires about the impact of the rate of interest on student loans, which is a matter of significant interest.

Question

They will no doubt be relieved on the grounds of the rate of interest they are required to pay on their student loans, won't they?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

I know that the rate of interest on student loans is a matter of great interest to my right hon. Friend and his constituents. The switch from maintenance grants to loans that are effectively contingent upon income has been a success, in that we have seen during this period a significant increase in the likelihood of 18-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds going into higher education, but of course we constantly keep these things under review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly answer whether students are relieved about loan interest rates, instead discussed broader policies and reviews

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Q3 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Education Economy Energy
Context

Students are facing a significant funding gap due to inflation and increasing costs, leading to anxiety among students about their financial stability.

Question

I have been speaking to a lot of students in recent weeks and they are obviously anxious about the cost of living. While student maintenance loans have increased by just 2.3% on average, inflation has rocketed to more than 10%, accommodation costs are up 5%, food costs are up 14.5% and transport costs are up by 10.6%, hitting commuter students particularly hard. The result is that students are facing an average funding gap of £439 per month and dropping out, while the Government are facing a credibility gap in this sector. Can the Secretary of State tell us what students are supposed to do?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

As I outlined previously, £261 million is available in this academic year to support disadvantaged students who need additional help. We have been working closely with the Office for Students to make sure that universities support those who are in hardship. It is worth pointing out that students will also benefit from reductions to their energy costs if they are buying from a domestic supplier, through the energy cost support package that we are putting in place.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific advice or actions for students facing financial difficulties

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Q4 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Education Economy
Context

Students are experiencing significant financial difficulties due to high inflation and rising costs, leading to concerns about their ability to continue education.

Question

What steps he is taking to help support students with the cost of living.

Answer from Kit Malthouse

My Department continues to work with the Office for Students to ensure that universities support students in hardship by drawing on the £261 million student premium.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps or additional measures beyond the use of the student premium

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