Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Student Cost of Living Support: Devolved Administrations

Monday 11 March 2024 · 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

  • Chris Stephens inquired about discussions with devolved Administrations on additional financial support for students facing cost of living increases.
  • The Government highlighted a 286 million welfare support fund for struggling students and noted a 74% increase in disadvantaged pupils attending university since 2010.
  • Matt Western questioned the adequacy of the 2.5% maintenance loan increase, noting it falls short of covering inflation, potentially forcing students to work multiple jobs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Stephens SNP
Education Economy
Context

Recent data shows that state school pupils receiving free school meals have less than a one in four chance of entering higher education due to the high prospect of debt accumulation. The Scottish Government has abolished tuition fees, which could be considered as an example.

Question

What recent discussions has she had with her counterparts in the devolved Administrations on providing additional financial support for students amid cost of living increases? New data reveals lower chances of entry to higher education for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Do the Government plan to follow Scotland's lead and abolish tuition fees?

Answer from Robert Halfon

Higher education policy is devolved. Each Administration sets its own student finance arrangements. This Government aims to be fair to both students and taxpayers. Since 2010, disadvantaged pupils are 74% more likely to attend university. We have a £286 million welfare support fund managed by the Office for Students to assist struggling students.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Abolishing tuition fees as requested in the specific ask

How: This Government Believe That We Need To Be Fair Not Only To Students But To Taxpayers.

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Q2 Chris Stephens SNP
NHS Education Economy
Context

A significant number of state school pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are struggling with university admissions due to potential debt. The Welsh Government has increased maintenance loans by a higher percentage, and Scotland is providing special support loans.

Question

The maintenance loan increase announced by the government amounts to a real-terms cut given current inflation rates. In Wales, there will be a 3.7% increase in maintenance loans, while Scotland offers a £2,500 special support loan for all students. How does this Government justify their approach?

Answer from Robert Halfon

We have a record number of disadvantaged pupils attending university, 74% more likely than before. A £286 million welfare support fund managed by the Office for Students helps struggling students; we've increased maintenance loans by 2.8%; frozen tuition fees; provided families with up to £3,700 energy bills relief; allocated hundreds of millions to the household support fund; and introduced degree apprenticeships so students can earn while learning without loans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about actions addressing real-terms cuts in maintenance loans

How: We Have Put Together A Substantial Package To Help Students With The Cost Of Living.

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Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Context

The government announced a 2.5% increase in maintenance loans, which is less than inflation rates of 15%, leading to real-terms cuts. This contrasts with the Welsh Government's 3.7% increase and Scotland's additional support for students.

Question

Following last year's 2.8% increase, this September sees a paltry 2.5% maintenance loan increase, which is less than inflation. With a compound inflation rate of 15%, this amounts to a real-terms cut. What does the government think about students working multiple jobs just to make ends meet?

Answer from Robert Halfon

We have a record number of disadvantaged pupils attending university. We've increased maintenance loans by 2.8%; frozen tuition fees; provided families with up to £3,700 energy bills relief; allocated hundreds of millions to the household support fund; and introduced degree apprenticeships so students can earn while learning without loans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about real-terms cuts in maintenance loans

How: We Have Put Together A Substantial Package To Help Students With The Cost Of Living.

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