Written question asked by Andrew Welsh (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 9 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 1998. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 1998 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, who will be responsible for administering the new hardship loan scheme; how much money in total has been allocated for this purpose; how much each individual student will be able to claim in the form of a hardship loan; if all students who apply will be given a hardship loan; when and how those who take out hardship loans will be expected to repay them. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Welsh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment who will be responsible for administering the new hardship loan scheme; how much money in total has been allocated for this purpose; how much each individual student will be able to claim in the form of a hardship loan; if all students who apply will be given a hardship loan; when and how those who take out hardship loans will be expected to repay them; and if he will make a statement. [29212] Dr. Howells: £5 million has been made available in 1998-99 in England and Wales. New students starting their courses after 1 September 1998 who are eligible for the normal student loan will be eligible to apply additionally for the hardship load, which is discretionary and intended to contribute towards the living costs of students in financial hardship. The amount available to individual students will be £250 per year. The hardship loan will be repayable on an income contingent basis under similar arrangements to the normal loan. The other points raised are currently being considered and we will be consulting interested parties on the details shortly.

Secondary information