Stephen Morgan MP has called on government to ensure local students’ concerns over cost-of-living pressure are not ignored.
The Portsmouth MP met with the new student elected officers of the Portsmouth Students’ Union this week to hear their priorities for the year ahead and understand the cost-of-living challenges students in the city are facing.
The latest action follows the MP lobbying the new Education Secretary to make sure Government does not ignore the views and issues affecting the country’s student population. Mr Morgan has written to Kit Malthouse to raise concerns of students from and studying in Portsmouth.
University leaders are asking for immediate and targeted help from the new government for students struggling through the cost of living crisis. This comes after polling by Savanta ComRes for Universities UK showed financial hardship among students is building to crisis point.
67% of students in higher education are concerned about managing their living costs this autumn, rising to 85% of students aged over 30. Of those, over half (55%) say this might prevent them from continuing their studies. Cost of living anxiety is greater among older, postgraduate students and those who work or have caring responsibilities.
Analysis from Universities UK shows that most government measures designed to alleviate cost of living pressures are unlikely to reach the vast majority of students, as they are mainly targeted towards those on means-tested benefits, pensioners and families.
Following the meeting, Stephen Morgan MP, said:
“Portsmouth is a fantastic city to learn and thrive, but the cost-of-living crisis is creating significant financial pressures on students and their families with rising food, fuel and energy costs.
“Students should be focused on enjoying and making the most of their time at university to help them achieve and get on in life, not worrying if they’ll have to choose between heating or eating this winter.
“That’s why I have taken local students’ concerns forward and called on the Education Secretary to ensure they are no longer ignored by this government.”
Matt Western MP, Labour’s Shadow Universities Minister, also said on the issue:
“Students are increasingly finding themselves at the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis. Sky-high energy bills and living costs are squeezing student budgets like never before and threatening students’ ability to complete their courses.
“It was clear months ago that we were approaching a tough winter. Yet this Conservative government has failed to come up with the solutions to the cost-of-living crisis that people desperately need.
“Labour recognised the scale of the crisis in the summer. By freezing energy bills this winter, Labour’s plan would make sure no one pays a penny more. That is the fresh change this country deserves.”
Mr Morgan has also been working with the University and Students’ Union over recent research about the quality of local housing and the increasing cost pressures on students.
