§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what redress a student has who suffers hardship as a result of maladministration by the Student Loans Company Ltd; and if he will investigate the case of Mr. Lloyd Hughes, a constituent. [126368]
§ Alan JohnsonIf a student has lodged a complaint through the Student Loans Company (SLC) complaints procedure and is not happy with the response he may request that the case be reviewed by the SLC Chief Executive. If the Chief Executive reviews the case and the student is still dissatisfied he may ask for the case to be investigated by the Independent Assessor. The SLC's complaints procedure is published in a leaflet and on its website.
The Independent Assessor has, within his terms of reference, the power to recommend that the SLC, by way of compensation, awards a sum of up to £5,000, for any loss, expense or unreasonable degree of inconvenience suffered by the complainant.
My officials are currently liaising with SLC regarding Mr. Hughes' case.