Students at Edge Hill University claim they are being forced to choose between food and studying as the cost-of-living crisis continues to escalate.
The presidents of Edge Hill Students' Union, in Ormskirk, are urging the government to take urgent action following a recent National Union of Students (NUS) survey that revealed more than 10% of students nationwide are relying on food banks to survive.
Arts and Sciences President, Jack Richardson, said the worsening situation is now taking its toll on students' mental health. He told LancsLive : “One of our students said: ‘The increase in energy bills is making me consider if I can afford to continue my studies. The cost of food has gone up, I can’t travel to the library as much because of the cost of fuel and public transport. These pressures are affecting my mental health.”
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A third of students nationwide are left with just £50 a month after rent and bills, according to a study by the NUS. It also found 52% of students are cutting back on food, 41% are cutting back on healthcare and 11% are depending on food banks to survive.
In a letter to local MP Rosie Cooper, Jack wrote: “When factoring in travel costs, how much are they going to be left with to feed themselves and their young families? As it stands, students are facing the chance between gaining a solid education and feeding themselves. Education is a right, not a privilege - so why should this even be a choice?”
Jack said students are a "huge part" of Ormskirk's local economy and are "vital" to the area, calling on more accessible transport at affordable rates. He said: “The transport links right now are just not allowing this to happen, which is a detriment to both the students and Ormskirk community.”
In a desperate plea to Ms Cooper, Jack asked her to call on the government to raise the maintenance loan package in line with the national living wage and to consider extending transport links between Ormskirk and towns like Wigan and St Helens. He said: “I’m not prepared to stand by and watch students suffer through one of the most horrendous financial crises of my lifetime.
“We are proud to represent Edge Hill students and ensure their voices are heard. The cost of living crisis is something that affects us all in different ways, and students need specific support packages to help with the shortfalls created by current student maintenance loans.”
The union's Faculty of Health, Social Care, and Medicine President Doreen Morrin echoed Jack's calls, stating: “We are exploring all routes to help Edge Hill students through the cost of living crisis, but what is desperately needed is Government support.
"In submitting our letter, we are calling on the Government to address maintenance loans so that they match the national living wage, giving students the best opportunity to succeed while at University, regardless of their background.”
West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper said: “I completely agree that the Government must do more to combat this crisis in a way that targets people in need, be that students, pensioners or anyone else. Having previously made representations to the Government, I have already written to the new Prime Minister and incoming Chancellor to call for decisive action to stop people having to make unthinkable choices like ‘heating or eating’ this winter.
“Everyone knows that public transport needs to be better in West Lancashire. We need a train station and a much better bus service which I consistently campaign for. We need the Government to listen and care about West Lancashire residents. I have shared the students’ letters with the Chancellor, Education Secretary and Prime Minister.”
The Department for Education said that to support students with living costs, the Government had increased maintenance loans every year, meaning disadvantaged students now had access to the highest ever amounts in cash terms and made £261m available through the Office for Students.
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