Foyle MLA highlights concerns on student access to £600 energy support payment

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.”