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This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

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Closed Extend Cost of Living Payments to all students in higher education

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Inflated living costs are exceeding means-tested student loans, so the Government should increase support by extending the Cost of Living Payment to all students in higher education. Most students rely on Government loans, and should be entitled to a top up to help with the increased cost of living.

The financial situations students face are having negative effects on mental health and studies, according to a report by Student Beans. They found that 29% of students receive under £5000 of student finance per year, two-thirds less than someone on minimum wage (working 37.5 hours a week), despite similar expenditures to budget for.

Government support should help ensure students can afford to continue their education, and aren't forced to leave education due to current concerns around short-term finances

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  • Related activity

    Share your experience of increases in the cost of living for further and higher education students

    On Tuesday 19 September, Paul Blomfield MP will lead a debate in Parliament on the impact of increases in the cost of living on further education (FE) and higher education (HE) students.

    To inform the debate, he would like to hear how students and their studies have been impacted by any cost-of-living pressures. He may quote your contribution directly during his debate.

    Find out more and share your ideas with him by midday on Monday 18 September:

    Videos of the debate, the transcript of what was said, and other relevant material will be accessible shortly after the debate on this webpage.

    What are Westminster Hall debates?

    Westminster Hall is the second Chamber of the House of Commons.

    Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Any MP can take part in a Westminster Hall debate.

    Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'. This means that Westminster Hall debates don’t end in a vote on a particular action or decision.

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    This petition will stay open until 11 April 2023.