Highland MP welcomes £20 million to support students unable to find work or access Universal Credit to help those who 'continue to face financial hardship due to the pandemic'

Highland MP Drew Hendry welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of extra help for students facing financial hardship over the summer months.

The government revealed plans for £20 million of new funding, which will be administered by colleges and universities, to support higher education students.

Despite repeated calls for greater access to welfare support for students, UK government rules mean the majority are currently unable to claim Universal Credit or other benefits.

Many students from low-income backgrounds are facing a bleak summer as the sectors where they would normally have got jobs are not able to fully reopen, primarily the hospitality sector.

The latest funding package takes total Scottish Government support for students since the start of the pandemic to more than £96 million.

Mr Hendry said: “This Scottish Government support will be welcome news for local students – like many others across the Highlands, students continue to feel the bite of the pandemic.

“Under the Department for Work and Pension rules, the vast majority of people studying do not qualify for Universal Credit support, which has left many struggling to cover their living costs.

“I am glad the Scottish Government is doing what it can to help those who have not been able to access any support and continue to face financial hardship due to the pandemic.

“This time last year, I wrote to the UK government to ask for an urgent change in criteria to allow students to claim for Universal Credit. Their continuing unwillingness to help students during a global pandemic is disappointing to say the least.

“I will continue to push the UK government on this matter and ensure that our students’ voices are heard.

“I urge students who are struggling to contact their university or college and access this support.”

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