Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living: Students

Monday 16 January 2023 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister reallocated 15 million to the student premium, now totaling 276 million.
  • Universities can use hardship funds to support disadvantaged students; Newcastle University allocated over 1.7 million.
  • Students can get a 400 rebate on energy bills if living in private accommodation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Education Economy
Context

The MP highlighted a recent survey showing that 41% of Newcastle University students considered dropping out due to financial pressures. Students are balancing studies with part-time jobs, feeling isolated and exhausted, with the student union food bank restocked daily but quickly emptied.

Question

What steps is she taking to help support students with the cost of living? The survey showed 41% of Newcastle University students have considered dropping out due to financial pressures. They balance studies with part-time jobs, feel isolated and exhausted, with the food bank restocked daily but emptied within minutes.

Answer from Robert Halfon

My Department has reallocated funding to add £15 million to the student premium this year, now worth £276 million. Universities can support disadvantaged students with their hardship funds; Newcastle and Northumbria universities have allocated funds for support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about mismanagement of maintenance loans and punishing students was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Education Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP highlighted the student union food bank being emptied daily within minutes due to financial pressures on students. Independent economists estimate many students are £1,500 worse off this year.

Question

Why is he punishing students like this? The student union food bank is restocked daily but empties quickly, and independent economists estimate that many students will be up to £1,500 worse off because of the mismanagement of maintenance loans. Why?

Answer from Robert Halfon

The cost of living challenges are recognised; £276 million is available for universities to draw on, with a recent increase of £15 million. Students can get a £400 rebate on energy bills if in private accommodation, and maximum loans and grants have increased by 2.8%. If income falls below certain levels, students can reapply for loan reassessment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about the mismanagement of maintenance loans was not directly addressed.

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Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Economy
Context

The MP noted independent economists estimate many students will be £1,500 worse off this year due to the cost of living crisis. The Government has focused on maths.

Question

Can he explain how his Government calculated an increase of just 2.8% in the maintenance loan when the rolling average inflation rate is running at 9.3%? Independent economists estimate that many students will be up to £1,500 worse off this year due to the cost of living crisis.

Answer from Robert Halfon

We have increased the student premium by £15 million to £276 million, and universities help disadvantaged students with their hardship funds; Newcastle University has given more than £1.7 million. Students can apply to Student Loans Company for loan reassessment if income falls below certain levels.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about the calculation of the maintenance loan increase was not directly addressed.

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