Responding to the Secretary of State for Education's announcement in Parliament today, setting out higher education reform measures, Professor Chris Day, Chair of the Russell Group and Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, said:

"Today’s announcement is a welcome sign that government is engaging seriously with the financial difficulties facing universities and students. Alongside the additional support that universities have been providing since the rise in the cost of living, uplifting the value of maintenance loans for students in England should mean they are better able to meet their day-to-day living costs and focus on their studies.

"We look forward to working with government on shared priorities, so universities can continue to increase opportunities for disadvantaged students and provide high-quality education and research. Ensuring a secure future for our sector will be crucial to supporting the pipeline of skills and new discoveries required to drive innovation, improve the UK’s public services, and boost economic growth."

Notes:

After leaving study, student loan borrowers will not see their monthly student loan repayments increase as a result of these changes.