High Peak MP Robert Largan has welcomed the Government’s announcement of £50 million to help university students facing financial difficulties arising from the impact of coronavirus, ensuring no one is left behind as a result of the pandemic.

This support is available to help students impacted by the pandemic, for example, those facing additional costs for alternative accommodation, loss of employment, or extra costs to access their teaching online.
 
The new funding comes on top of the £20 million announced in December to provide financial support to students who are facing difficulties. It will be distributed by the Office for Students directly to universities, which are best placed to assess student hardship locally and will be able to prioritise the funding to those most in need of help.

When Michelle Donelan MP, the Universities Minister, presented a statement to Parliament on this announcement last week (3 February), Robert Largan MP asked:

“I welcome the extra £50 million of funding announced yesterday for universities, which will help thousands of students facing financial difficulties because of coronavirus. Can the Minister confirm that this funding will be focused on support for the most disadvantaged students, including many from High Peak, who have been badly hit by the pandemic?”

The Universities Minister answered:

“I can, indeed. I urge all students, including those who originate from High Peak, who have been disadvantaged by the pandemic and find themselves in hardship, to approach their university and apply for this fund, which is exactly designed to target those who have found themselves in hardship and to put money in their pockets and assist them at this difficult time.”

Robert Largan MP commented:

“Everyone knows that the pandemic has hit students hard. I welcome the Government's new package and I will keep urging Ministers to make sure that further help is targeted to help the most disadvantaged students in places like High Peak.”