Government needs to go further on student financial support

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'It has taken far too long, but the government has finally acknowledged that students are facing hardship in the cost-of-living crisis. 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% 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.'