Written question WQ88862
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 12 days
Question
What evaluations has the Welsh Government made to ensure the living cost grants that it gives to students are enough to cover their needs in this cost-of-living crisis, and are sustainable over time?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
The Welsh Government reviews the amount of maintenance support it provides to higher education students each year, raising rates in line with established policy. Maintenance support is linked to the value of the National Living Wage, so recognising the importance of living cost support to students. For the current, 2023/24, academic year, maintenance support was increased by 9.4% for Welsh students. A range of other grants are made available in addition to maintenance support, and cost-of-living support has been provided to Welsh higher education institutions to enable them to support their students.