Luke

Yesterday’s Budget offered nothing for Plan 2 graduates. The repayment threshold freeze still kicks in from April 2027, so millions of young people will pay more on the same loan. There’s also a real risk that students miss out on the new £100 energy payment. The payment goes through the council tax system. But many students don’t pay council tax: either they’re exempt, or their landlord is the person liable for it. In 2022, the last time support was paid this way, students in halls and many HMO tenants got nothing, even though their bills were rising like everyone else’s. The Government says “most” exempt households will qualify, but the full rules haven’t been published. The £100m fund for people who miss out is smaller than the £144m in 2022, and each council will set its own criteria. That’s a postcode lottery for students. So I’ve written to the Chancellor. I’ve told him I’m disappointed the Budget did nothing on student loans, after 131 MPs and Peers called for action. And I’ve asked: Will students exempt from council tax get the £100? Will HMO tenants whose landlord pays council tax get it? Will councils contact students directly, rather than leave them to find out? Will students in halls and HMO tenants be covered by the discretionary fund? The £100 is welcome. But young people shouldn’t keep being an afterthought, whether that’s on student loans or on help with bills.