Press Release: Student grants scheme falling apart at the seams
Commenting on the Government’s decision to cut maintenance grants, Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, David Willetts, said:
“Gordon Brown announced a new system of grants in his first few days as Prime Minister, but this has now fallen apart at the seams. From next year, first years, second years and third years at university will all be on different maintenance grant regimes. This is a heavy blow for students, 65,000 of whom have already applied.
“The key figures are hidden in today’s announcement. How many students that would have been eligible for help if they had started university this year will no longer be eligible? What is the taper rate at which the maintenance grants will now be withdrawn? And what are the consequences for the level of student debt?
“Ministers are now working on further cuts of over £1.5 billion. We understand the need for financial discipline in tough times, but where is the strategy? The Government urgently needs an overall strategy to strengthen our economy, not a random cuts exercise.”
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