§ 23. Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will restore maintenance grants to attract students to universities from less well-off backgrounds. [14653]
§ Margaret HodgeOptions for attracting students from lower income families into higher education are being considered as part of the student support review my right hon. Friend announced in October. As part of the Excellence Challenge programme, funding has already been set aside for up to 25,000 Opportunity Bursaries worth £2,000 each for students from less well-off backgrounds over the next three years. In 2001–02 we have also improved grant provision for lone parents and students with dependants with a new child care grant of 85 per cent. of the actual costs during term time and the short vacations and a travel, books and equipment grant. This is in addition to increasing significantly disabled students allowances and hardship grants during the last four years.