Russell Group response to DfE equality analysis of maintenance loan changes

03 February 2023

Responding to the DfE equality analysis of how changes made to student finance regulations for the 2023 to 2024 academic year will affect students, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

"The fact that the DfE's own equality assessment says uplifting maintenance loans by just 2.8% next year will have a negative impact on students underlines how flawed the system is.

"But what's worse is that the Department responsible and the regulator which is supposed to be on the side of students just seem to be shrugging their shoulders. 

"Let's be clear: the Government has a choice, it is actively choosing to ignore its own analysis -- as well as our analysis and that of the IFS -- and this choice will leave students out of pocket by over £1,500.

"This is why our universities are stepping up support where possible, including providing millions of pounds of extra financial assistance to students. However, additional help is urgently needed from the Government. As an immediate step, we have urged the Government to address flaws in the maintenance loans system and uplift loans so they reflect inflation since 2020/21."

Notes

• On 9 January 2023 the Russell Group warned that students stand to lose out on £1500 a year as maintenance loans fail to keep up with inflation.
• The Russell Group continues to lobby the Government for additional support for students struggling with the rising cost of living, and this forms one of the three key asks in its submission to the Government for the Spring Budget.

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