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Healthcare Students: Pay and Financial Support

20 November 2023

Lead MP

Marsha de Cordova
Battersea
Lab

Responding Minister

Andrew Stephenson

Tags

NHSEducationEconomyEmploymentForeign AffairsEnergyChildren & Families
Word Count: 4616
Other Contributors: 2

At a Glance

Marsha de Cordova raised concerns about healthcare students: pay and financial support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The Government should increase financial support for healthcare students by creating a debt offset or write-off scheme for those who commit to working in the NHS, ensuring grants reflect true living costs, extending free childcare to those on placements, and addressing intersectionality issues affecting women and mature students. The Government must also focus on workforce challenges by considering all options to incentivise more people into healthcare professions.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Battersea
Opened the debate
The cost of living crisis has disproportionately affected healthcare students, with many struggling to afford energy bills, food, and childcare. Eighty per cent of student midwives reported taking on additional debt over the standard student finance package, and nearly three quarters expect to graduate with debts exceeding £40,000. Many are forced into unpaid clinical placements, while others balance parenting duties and part-time jobs, leading to considerable financial strain and increased risk of leaving their courses.

Government Response

Andrew Stephenson
Government Response
I am grateful to the British public for raising important issues covered in three petitions today. The Government recognises the unique nature of healthcare degrees, the intensity of courses, and financial pressures during clinical placements, which is why we support students with a non-repayable training grant of at least £5,000 per academic year since September 2020. We announced a 50% increase to travel and accommodation payments this year through the learning support fund. The Government are expanding alternative routes into healthcare careers to enable diverse backgrounds to bring unique skills to the NHS, including blended learning courses and clinical staff apprenticeships, with a target of 20% by 2032. There is an expected rebalancing following unprecedented demand for healthcare courses during the pandemic; current data shows increases in applications and enrolments compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Government provide financial support to students with children through various grants including the childcare grant covering up to £190 a week per child and the parents' learning allowance of up to £1,915 annually.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.