Universities call for return of maintenance grants for students in England

Steve West, head of Universities UK, urges government to deliver new model of higher education funding

Vice-chancellors have called for maintenance grants to be brought back for undergraduates in England, warning that otherwise there will be a “significant” impact on student health and wellbeing as well as their education.

Steve West, vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England, told the Universities UK annual conference in Leicester that the new government “needs to face up to the cost of living crisis now faced by students and staff. It is hitting them hard”.