Access Funds and Hardship Loans Review (Hansard, 29 June 2000)

§ The Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment (Baroness Blackstone)

Copies of the report have today been placed in the Library of the House. I am sending copies of the executive summary to every higher education and further education institution which administers access funds or hardship loans in England and Wales.

The review looked at ways in which these two schemes can be used more effectively to widen access and prevent hardship, with a particular emphasis on mature students.

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment attaches great importance to widening access and £87 million will be available next year through the Access Bursary and Hardship Funds. Hardship loans were introduced by this Government to provide extra targeted help for students in financial difficulty.

The review concluded that changes in the arrangements for offering help to students through these schemes were needed. The report contains a total of 20 recommendations on administration of the funds, as well as further support for mature students. Many of the recommendations addressed to the department have already been implemented or are being put in place for 2000–01.

A package of measures to provide additional help for mature and disadvantaged students was announced on 25 January. This package includes £17 million for non-repayable bursaries in 2000–01 for mature students; a new childcare grant from 2001–02; and £10 million for opportunity bursaries to improve access to higher education for bright pupils from lower socio-economic groups. In addition, we have provided £2 million to help higher education institutions with the cost of administering the bursaries for mature students in 2000–01.