Emergency boost to student loans needed

The Edinburgh University Students' Association’s external affairs convener, Thomas Graham, has launched a campaign to “ensure that students receive the financial support that they need to continue their studies.”

As student loan levels have fallen short of rising inflation, Mr Graham explained: "What we are asking for is not an emergency increase, but an emergency 'stay the same'.

"With the cost of student living increasing, and student inflation running even higher than government measures, it's vital that increases to loans are made to ensure that students are able to pay their rent and bills and can afford to eat.”

In the wake of the recent global financial crisis, the Students' Association argued that it is vital that emergency measures are negotiated immediately.

Claire Baker MSP for Labour echoed the union’s concerns: "Student support in Scotland is already far lower than students receive in the rest of the UK, with students in England receiving up to £6200 whereas the maximum in Scotland is just over £4500. Therefore, as we see rising rent, food and energy bills it is the most hard-up students in Scotland faced with fixed, low incomes who will be hit hardest in the whole of the UK.

“I believe the SNP government must come forward with plans to tackle student hardship in Scotland ensuring that the poorest students do not suffer, especially in these difficult economic times.”

Mrs Baker has written to Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education, on behalf of all struggling Scottish students in a bid to provoke swift and decisive action.

At the beginning of the current academic year, student loan rates increased between 2.4 per cent and 2.6 per cent depending on individual personal entitlement. However, new figures from an Open University study suggest that student inflation is currently at 6.6 per cent.

An estimated £18 million will be needed in order to increase all student loans in line with student inflation throughout Scotland.

Further controversy has been caused by changes to the means testing system for loans. Students who were previously entitled to more money are receiving less as step-parent’s income is included in the assessment. Other students who will feel the effects of the real terms cut in loans of between £90 and £200 per annum include those working part time jobs while studying.

In the meantime, Mr. Graham sought to advise students as to financial help offered by their university: "If students are experiencing hardship, they should contact the Advice Place, which can offer support and help you apply for discretionary funds to help you through your studies."

Students across Edinburgh should visit their relevant institutions for information on assistance with funding: Napier students can visit the student funding office at the Merchiston campus; Heriot-Watt students should ask at the Advice & Support centre at the back of the union; QMU students should head to the R.A.W. centre at the Musselburgh Campus.