UCU slams government’s student loan increase
The University and College Union (UCU) slammed the government’s pledge to provide an extra 15million to help students.
Student loans will increase by 2.8% next year and tuition fees will remain at £9,250 for the next two.
General secretary of the UCU Jo Grady said: “The new funds announced today must be made quickly and easily available to those struggling to make ends meet.
“The reality, however, is that the government hasn’t yet woken up to the scale of the crisis facing students.
“In the context of high inflation, rising energy bills, transport costs, rents, and falling wages today’s 2.8 per cent increase in the maintenance loan will barely touch the sides.
“We need to see a comprehensive package that boosts student income in the long term and prevents the need for quick fixes which provide no long-lasting security.
“‘Investment in students is an investment in the future of the UK and it is high time ministers revisited the package of support available to students and made it suitable for the times we live in.
‘Sadly, today’s announcement falls short and leaves students financially exposed.”
