The impact of increases in the cost of living on FE and HE students
Sharing your experiences for a parliamentary debate
"To all the students, parents and educational professionals who responded to the survey over the weekend: thank you very much for sharing your experiences with me.
"Much of what you said mirrored what I have been hearing elsewhere on how the cost of living is impacting you and those you know in FE and HE.
"Do watch the debate or read the transcript, you’ll see that we discussed several of the points you raised, for example:
- How the financial support available to students compares with increases in the cost of rent, food, travel, study materials and other essentials
- How students are taking up more paid work, and the impact this has on their attendance and attainment
- The particular experiences of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with children and other caring responsibilities.
"This debate is only one part of the wider discussion on student financial pressures, and so all the information you shared is helpful in shaping these discussions.
"Thank you so much again for taking the time to contribute."
Watch or read the debate
Contributors' stories read out:
Read the full transcript:
Watch the full debate:
Feedback:
If you took part in this activity, please answer three quick questions about how it worked for you:
The Government's response
The Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, Robert Halfon MP, responded to the debate on behalf of the Government. He addressed the Government's current policy agenda and future ambitions related to the debate topic.
Watch or read his full speech for details where he covers a range of topics including:
- The freezing of tuition fees in England at a standard £9,250 for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025
- £15 million allocated to the Office for Students to help universities with mental health provision, as well as £276 million to help disadvantaged students in HE
- Support with energy bills for students living in private accommodation
- Student transport support schemes, such as South Yorkshire’s Zoom 16-18 Travel Pass
- FE bursaries of up to £1,200 for young people in care, care leavers and those on disability-related benefits
- £160 million allocated for FE discretionary bursaries, helping students with costs for travel and resources
- A 9.7% increase of the apprentice minimum wage to £5.28 an hour
- £40 million investment to support degree apprenticeships
- An increase in apprenticeship bursaries for care leavers to £3,000
- A £3.8 billion increase in skills funding by 2024/25, with £1.6 billion focusing on 16 to 19-year-olds.
Your feedback
"I wanted to fill in the survey as it's an issue I'm currently being personally affected by, and have been frustrated at for quite a while. I felt I had a fairly unique position to give as a part-time postgraduate student.
"I was thrilled to be quoted! I wasn't expecting it so it was a really nice surprise. I was really proud to have shared my perspective with the country and with Parliament, and it felt great for my personal experiences to be heard.
"I think the work of Parliament is relevant to everyone's life, whether they realise it or not. Decisions made there affect us all.
"I really believe that the more personal stories can be heard in Parliament the better."
Parliamentary resources
Research from the House of Commons Library
- Cost of living support for students (September 2023)
- How is the rising cost of living affecting students? (December 2022)
- Impact of increases in the cost of living on further and higher education students (September 2023).
Information, help and support
England and Wales
- University and college hardship funds
- Citizens Advice - Student Loans
- Student Finance England
- Student Finance Wales
Scotland
- Student Awards Agency Scotland
- Student Information Scotland - About Discretionary Funds
- Citizens Advice Scotland - Financial Support for Students
Northern Ireland
Other support
How it works
How your contributions are shared
In these exercises, members of the public who have signed relevant petitions or are subscribed to parliamentary newsletters are invited to share their experiences and ideas.
These are passed on to the MP leading the debate, who may refer to them directly in their speeches.
Find other petitions on the Petitions website
Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for latest info on free activities online and around the UK to help you get involved and make a difference.
What happens next?
If you shared your email in the survey, we’ll send you an update after the debate with links to watch it, read the transcript, and information about the Government's response.
Lisa, Ian and Charlotte contributed to previous debates on topics like the menopause and pensions advice:
What is a Westminster Hall Debate?
Westminster Hall debates take place in the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons.
They give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.
Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'. This means that Westminster debates don’t end in a vote on a particular action or decision.
How Parliament works: Westminster Hall debates.
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