§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will give further consideration to student financial hardship associated with summer rent demands and the absence of housing benefit entitlement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyIn general it is the student support system which is designed to provide financial help for full-time students. Housing benefit, which helps with both rent and rates, is available to vulnerable group students throughout their courses, including the summer vacation.
There are no plans to change this policy.