HC Deb 24 January 1995 vol 253 c166W
28. Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans she has to address the issue of student poverty.

Mr. Boswell

There is no evidence of widespread student poverty. For those eligible for mandatory awards and student loans, the total support available has risen slightly in real terms since 1990 when loans were first introduced. It will increase by 2.5 per cent for the 1995–96 academic year. Other students can apply to local education authorities for discretionary awards. The access funds can provide additional assistance to full-time students in particular need.