Written question asked by Lord Willetts (Conservative) on Friday, 12 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 October 2007. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 October 2007 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Students: Grants

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what estimate his Department has made of the change in the number of students per year who will be eligible for a maintenance grant as a result of the policies announced in the statement of 5 July 2007, Official Report, columns 1108-10, on higher education (student support).

Answer: The 5th July announcement increases the means-testing threshold below which students are entitled to a full maintenance grant up from £17,910 for entrants in 2007/08—to £25,000 for entrants in 2008/09. The threshold for a partial grant will increase from £38,330 for entrants in 2007/08—to £60,005 for entrants in 2008/09. Details of the increased support package have now been placed in the Members' Library.By 2010/11 the majority of students will fall under the new regulations. The July announcement included an estimate that, by this point, we expect more than 100,000 additional students will be entitled to some level of maintenance grant, and within this, an additional 50,000 will be entitled to a full grant (worth £2,835 in 2008/09). Exact numbers will depend on household income of students applying for support over the CSR.

Secondary information