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Paddy Leonard, 28 Jan
SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has highlighted concerns regarding
student access to the £600 energy support payment. It follows concerns
that not all students are aware of the process for accessing the
funding.
A recent survey from the national Students’ Union found that 60% of
students were concerned about their ability to manage financially
during the cost-of-living crisis.
The Foyle MLA said: “From the cost of rising rents to spiralling energy
bills, more and more students are finding it difficult to make ends
meet during this cost-of-living crisis.
"The figures released by the national student representative bodies
detailing the scale of these challenges are shocking and show how
students are finding it difficult to pay for basic living expenses
while undertaking their education.
"Postgraduate students and students who undertake placements are
clearly finding it particularly difficult to cope, as they struggle to
meet the costs of out-of-pocket expenses.
“We need to do everything possible to ensure that the £600 payment
reaches the people that it is intended to help, including students.
"However, I am not convinced that all students are aware of their
eligibility for this support and how to access it. Where a student pays
for their energy bills as part of their rent, it’s important that the
relevant intermediary, including student accommodation managers, make
arrangements to pass on the benefit of the £600 payment and clearly
outline to students how this has been achieved.
"Where a student pays for their energy via keypad, it’s important that
they aware of this scheme and its delivery. Many students will live in
shared flats and the onus will be on the students themselves to ensure
the £600 is fairly split between all tenants.
“Students deserve the financial support they need to thrive at
university. The problems that they are facing during the cost-of-living
crisis are really just symptomatic of the wider funding issues facing
higher and further education.
"I am pleased that the previous Minister announced a review of higher
education funding.
"It must represent an opportunity to address the inequalities in the
system and ensure all students can achieve their potential, regardless
of financial circumstance.”