Thank you for contacting me about the National Union of Students' ‘Manifesto for Our Future’.
Closer to the next election, all parties will set out their vision for government in their manifestos. However, I would like to assure you that the Government is aware of your concerns and is taking steps to support students across a number of areas such as the cost of living, mental health support and housing.
I welcome that upfront loans are available as a contribution towards students' living costs while attending university, with the most support available for students from the lowest income backgrounds. I understand that maximum grants and loans for living costs have increased by 2.8 per cent for the 2023/24 academic year and will increase by a further 2.5 percent for the 2024/25 academic year.
In addition, the Government has made available £276 million of Student Premium and Mental Health funding for the 2023/24 academic year, to support students who need additional help including disadvantaged students. A further £10 million of one-off support is being made available to support student mental health and hardship funding. This funding will complement the help universities are providing through their own bursary, scholarship and hardship support schemes.
At least £2.3 billion of extra funding a year is also being invested to expand and transform mental health services by 2023/24 as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. This means that an additional 345,000 children and young people are now able to get the necessary NHS-funded mental health support.
In relation to student accommodation, the Government is bringing forward reforms which will improve housing for students. For example, the Renters (Reform) Bill will abolish Section 21 evictions. I believe that reforming the current tenancy system will provide more security to student renters and will empower tenants to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of a 'no fault' eviction.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.