Gov ‘to consider’ cost of living support for students

Monday 22 August 2022

The Government has confirmed it will be considering increasing support for students, after a campaign group complained that the proposed 'mini budget' does nothing to support local young people studying away from home as living costs soar.

The only additional help that has been provided to students since 2018 in the student grant regulations is a maintenance increase of 2.9%.

However, the actual rise in the cost of living in the UK, where most local students study, has been closer to 17% during this time.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Nikki Heath said: "Frustratingly we are no further forward with that than we were in 2018, but the rising costs for students and families are likely to start impacting how many can afford to study at all."

The group also raises questions regarding the lack of funding for postgraduate students.

Deputy Chief Minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said the lack of higher education student consideration was because the 100 Day Plan and mini budget were "designed to include policies and support which could be delivered in the short-term."

"This includes work to support and include children and young people in decision-making and work to ensure that period products are available to all young people through schools," he said.

“The 100 Day Plan does not set out the Government agenda for the next four years and – as such – does not address all long-term issues. As we move out of the 100 Day Plan and into the full of Government term, we will continue to pursue measures to support children, young people and families.” 

Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said: “In my nomination speech, I committed to publishing a review of Higher Education within the first 100 Days. This will also include a review of Further Education. Once this review is complete, I will be looking to put in place both long-term and short-term actions to support students and families to get the best educational outcomes."

Pictured: Deputy Inna Gardiner, Minister for Children and Education.

She added: “I contacted the Student Loans Support Group following my election in July.

"We have a date in the calendar to meet, and I look forward to discussing a way forward with the Group.”