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Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry welcomes summer support for Highland students facing financial hardship


By Ian Duncan

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MP Drew Hendry.
MP Drew Hendry.

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

The Scottish Government has brought forward early access to £11.4 million of discretionary funds to support higher education students.

Funding will be administered by colleges and universities.

Students are unable to claim Universal Credit or other benefits.

Scottish students studying in Europe as part of EU Portability or historically arranged schemes will also be able to access a £100,000 emergency fund administered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Mr Hendry said: “This Scottish Government support will be welcome news for local students – many of whom rely on part-time jobs over the summer months to help pay term time bills and to meet summer living costs.

"Under current DWP rules students do not qualify for Universal Credit support, and this has left many struggling to cover their living costs throughout this health crisis.

“I recently wrote to the UK government to ask for an urgent change in criteria to allow students to claim for Universal Credit. It is disappointing that they have refused to be flexible over allowing access to Universal Credit or other benefits, and I will keep on the case – they must do the right thing by students.

“In the meantime, I know this Scottish Government support will be a great help to those most in need of financial assistance.

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

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