Support for University Students: Covid-19

Gareth Bacon Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd February 2021 Commons Chamber

[Michelle Donelan]

Education is of course devolved, but I meet on a weekly basis with my counterpart in Scotland, Minister Lochhead. We discuss the issue of accommodation almost every week, and the other pressures that students are facing, in order to have a joined-up and co-ordinated approach that is really getting to the heart of the problems that universities and students are facing.

[Gareth Bacon (Orpington) (Con) [V]]

The £70 million support fund for students facing financial difficulties is very welcome, and I congratulate Ministers on once again stepping in to protect those most in need. However, a number of my Orpington constituents have told me how their studies have been drastically impacted by the pandemic. Will my hon. Friend update the House on what discussions have been held with universities about full or partial refunds for tuition and accommodation fees in this academic year?

[Michelle Donelan]

I agree with my hon. Friend: this is a really difficult and challenging time for students, and my heart goes out to all of them. We as a Government set the maximum tuition fee level, not the minimum, and it is up to universities to decide what to charge. Every single one of them has continued to charge the maximum during this pandemic, and in return we have said that we expect the quantity, quality and accessibility of provision to be there. If a student feels that it is not, there is a process whereby they can make a formal complaint to their university, and if the issue is still not resolved, they can take it to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, which can potentially lead to a full or partial refund.

Oral Answers to Questions

Gareth Bacon Excerpts

Monday 2nd March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) (Lab)]

1. What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of school funding.

[Mr Gareth Bacon (Orpington) (Con)]

19. What steps his Department is taking to ensure that schools receive equitable levels of funding under the national funding formula.

[Giles Watling (Clacton) (Con)]

22. What steps his Department is taking to ensure that schools receive equitable levels of funding under the national funding formula.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Bacon]

Since 2013, the total schools block grant in my constituency has gone down, whereas funding across London regionally has increased by 4.5%. I know that my right hon. Friend recognises the historical imbalances towards metropolitan areas, so what reassurances can he give me and the excellent schools in Orpington that the NFF will rebalance funding?

[Gavin Williamson]

The Department and the Government are working towards a hard national funding formula to ensure fair funding across the country in every single constituency. I know that my hon. Friend has been campaigning hard to raise the issue facing his schools, and we will listen closely.