Russell Group response to Sutton Trust student cost of living survey

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26 January 2023

In response to the Sutton Trust survey of university students on their experiences of the cost of living crisis, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

"These findings paint a stark picture of the growing financial pressures facing students across the country. It is particularly concerning to see a quarter of students say they are at risk of dropping out of courses as a result of the rising cost of living.

"Our universities are stepping up support to ease the burden on students where possible, committing millions of pounds of additional financial assistance alongside a range of other measures including providing subsidised food and extending access to campus facilities. However, additional assistance is urgently needed from the Government.

"As an immediate step, we have urged the Government to address flaws in the maintenance loans system that mean students in England are missing out on an extra £1,500 of support because loans have not kept pace with inflation since 2020-21.”

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. You can read the Russell Group's letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer below.