Real Terms Budget Cut Leaves Students in the Cold

Students will be left in the cold as a result of Scottish Government budget cuts as they return to university this week. 

Alba say that the draft budget delivered in December has done very little to alleviate the pressures students are facing as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. The budget will mean a real term cut to university and college budgets, with only £46 million of additional resources committed to institutions. 

ALBA want the Scottish Government to increase the monthly payment that students receive as well as reviewing the income band levels that determine how much a student is entitled to per month.

ALBA Party Youth co-convener, Christina Hendry, has called on more support for students across Scotland. She said; 

“Scottish students find themselves in the unenviable position of being left out in the cold when it comes to financial support from the Scottish Government. Student loan payments that are paid to students to help them heat and feed themselves have remained stagnant for years and while inflation is so high the already small payment students receive will feel even smaller this year. 

Already student loans do not even cover rent for most students, never mind when you factor in energy bills and living costs.

It is perverse that students across energy-rich Scotland must worry about the soaring cost of energy with many having to choose between heating their accommodation or eating. Independence is the only route forward to stamp out this crisis but in the meantime, the Scottish government need to provide more financial support to Scotland’s students.”