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1302402

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Students: Fees and Charges
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will take steps with representatives of the Student Loan Company to remove 50 per cent of tuition fee debt incurred by students in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic year.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Claudia Webbe
uin	169097
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>This has been a very difficult time for students, and the government is working with the sector to make sure all reasonable efforts are being made to enable students to continue their studies. We are committed to ensuring students receive high-quality education. I want to thank all higher education (HE) staff for their tireless work to ensure that young people do not have to put their lives or their academic journeys on hold. I have been impressed by the innovative and dynamic approaches so many providers have taken to online learning.</p><p>I welcome the huge amount of resource universities have given to ensuring online teaching is of the high quality expected by the government and the Office for Students (OfS). The government’s clear and stated expectation is that universities should maintain the quality and quantity of tuition and seek to ensure that all students regardless of their background have the resources to study remotely.</p><p>Universities are autonomous and responsible for setting their own fees within maximum fee limits set by regulations, where applicable. The OfS, as regulator for HE providers in England, has made it clear that HE providers must continue to comply with registration conditions relating to quality and academic standards, which set out requirements to ensure that courses are high-quality, that all students, both domestic and international are supported and achieve good outcomes, and that standards are protected, regardless of whether a provider is delivering its courses through face-to-face teaching, remote online learning, or a combination of both.</p><p>I wrote to the OfS on 13 January 2021, outlining the government’s expectations of the HE sector. Following this, the OfS wrote to provider accountable officers, setting out the actions they are taking in connection with providers’ compliance to existing regulatory requirements. The OfS has also published guidance on student and consumer protection during the COVID-19 outbreak, which is available via the following link: <a href="https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-student-and-consumer-protection-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank">https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-student-and-consumer-protection-during-the-pandemic/</a>.</p><p>Whether or not an individual student is entitled to a refund will depend on the specific contractual arrangements between the provider and student. Due to the individualised nature of student contracts and student circumstances, the process which is in place ensures that institutions have the opportunity to consider student complaints effectively and offers them an opportunity for early resolution of complaints with students. This is particularly important in situations where remedies other than refunds would be more helpful or beneficial to a student.</p><p>If students have concerns, there is a process in place. They should first raise their concerns with their university. If their concerns remain unresolved, students at providers in England or Wales can ask the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) for Higher Education to consider their complaint. This is the case for both domestic and international students. The OIA website is available via the following link: <a href="https://oiahe.org.uk" target="_blank">https://oiahe.org.uk</a>.</p><p>The OfS does not get involved in individual student complaints, that is for the relevant HE provider and possibly the OIA. Students can, however, notify the OfS of issues that may be of regulatory interest to it. These are called notifications. The OfS uses this information as part of its regulatory monitoring activity and keep HE providers under review to ensure that they comply with the ongoing conditions of registration. The OfS has produced a guide for students to support them in this process, which is available via the following link: <a href="https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/office-for-students-notifications/" target="_blank">https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/office-for-students-notifications/</a>.</p><p>The government recognises that in these exceptional circumstances some students may face financial hardship. The department has worked with the OfS to clarify that providers are able to use existing funds, worth around £256 million for academic year 2020/21, towards hardship support. We have also made an additional £70 million of student hardship funding available to HE providers this financial year. HE providers have flexibility in how they distribute the funding to students, in a way that best prioritises those in greatest need. This is available to all students, including international.</p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan question first answered 22/03/2021 17:23:30 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
tabling member	4848 label Biography information for Claudia Webbe

1302403

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Students: Fees and Charges
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will allocate funding from the public purse for universities to offer refunds of 50 per cent to (a) postgraduate, (b) international and (c) other students who privately fund the cost of their tuition in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic year.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Claudia Webbe
uin	169098
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>This has been a very difficult time for students, and the government is working with the sector to make sure all reasonable efforts are being made to enable students to continue their studies. I want to thank all higher education (HE) staff for their tireless work to ensure that young people do not have to put their lives or their academic journeys on hold.</p><p>I welcome the huge amount of resources universities have given to ensure online teaching is of the high quality expected by the government and the Office for Students (OfS). The government’s clear and stated expectation is that universities should maintain the quality and quantity of tuition and seek to ensure that all students regardless of their background have the resources to study remotely.</p><p>Universities are autonomous and responsible for setting their own fees within maximum fee limits set by regulations, where applicable. The OfS, as regulator for HE providers in England, has made it clear that HE providers must continue to comply with registration conditions relating to quality and academic standards, which set out requirements to ensure that courses are high quality, that all students, both domestic and international are supported and achieve good outcomes, and that standards are protected, regardless of whether a provider is delivering its courses through face-to-face teaching, remote online learning, or a combination of both.</p><p>We continue to regularly engage the sector in discussion on this issue. I wrote to the OfS on 13 January 2021 outlining the government’s expectations of the HE sector. Following this, the OfS wrote to provider accountable officers, setting out the actions they are taking in connection with providers’ compliance to existing regulatory requirements. The OfS has also published guidance on student and consumer protection during the COVID-19 outbreak, which is available via the following link: <a href="https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-student-and-consumer-protection-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank">https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-student-and-consumer-protection-during-the-pandemic/</a>.</p><p>Whether or not an individual student is entitled to a refund will depend on the specific contractual arrangements between the provider and student. Due to the individualised nature of student contracts and student circumstances, the process which is in place ensures that institutions have the opportunity to consider student complaints effectively and offers them an opportunity for early resolution of complaints with students. This is particularly important in situations where remedies other than refunds would be more helpful or beneficial to a student.</p><p>If students have concerns, there is a process in place. They should first raise their concerns with their university. If their concerns remain unresolved, students at providers in England or Wales can ask the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) for Higher Education to consider their complaint. This is the case for both domestic and international students. The OIA website is available via the following link: <a href="https://www.oiahe.org.uk/" target="_blank">https://www.oiahe.org.uk/</a>.</p><p>The OfS does not get involved in individual student complaints. These are for the relevant HE provider and possibly the OIA. Students can, however, notify the OfS of issues that may be of regulatory interest to it. These are called notifications. The OfS uses this information as part of its regulatory monitoring activity and keep HE providers under review to ensure that they comply with the ongoing conditions of registration. The OfS has produced a guide for students to support them in this process, which is available via the following link: <a href="https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/office-for-students-notifications/" target="_blank">https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/office-for-students-notifications/</a>.</p><p>In relation to international students, the government has worked closely with the HE sector to ensure that existing rules and processes are as flexible as possible for international students at this time. This includes the ability to engage via distance/blended learning for the duration of the 2020/21 academic year and confirming that existing international students who have been studying by distance distance/blended learning will remain eligible to apply for the new graduate route, provided they are in the UK by 21 June 2021 (27 September for those studying one-year courses in 2021) and meet the other requirements of the route. I have also written to international students directly throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, providing up-to-date guidance and setting out the support available for students.</p><p>In relation to postgraduate students, the master’s loan scheme was introduced in summer 2016 to help remove the financial barrier often faced by those wishing to step up to achieving a master’s level qualification. This was followed two years later with the doctoral degree loan. Both loans are intended as a contribution to the cost of postgraduate level study and is not intended to cover all costs associated with postgraduate study.</p><p>We recognise that in these exceptional circumstances some students may face financial hardship. The department has worked with the OfS to clarify that providers are able to use existing funds, worth around £256 million for academic year 2020/21, towards hardship support. We have also made an additional £70 million of student hardship funding available to HE providers this financial year. HE providers have flexibility in how they distribute the funding to students, in a way that best prioritises those in greatest need. This is available to all students, including international and postgraduate students.</p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan question first answered 22/03/2021 17:43:16 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
tabling member	4848 label Biography information for Claudia Webbe

1302404

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Students: Housing
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will increase funding for universities to enable those universities to offer proportionate rebates for students in halls who entered into accommodation contracts for the 2020-21 academic year.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Claudia Webbe
uin	169099
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>This has been a very difficult time for students, and we urge universities and private landlords to review their accommodation policies to ensure that they are fair, clear and have the interests of students at heart.</p><p>The government plays no role in the provision of student residential accommodation. Universities and private accommodation providers are autonomous and are responsible for setting their own rent agreements. Whether a student is entitled to a refund or to an early release from their contract will depend on the specific contractual arrangements between them and their higher education (HE) provider.</p><p>We recognise that, in these exceptional circumstances, some students may face financial hardship. The department has worked with the Office for Students (OfS) to clarify that HE providers are able to use existing funds, worth around £256 million for the 2020/21 academic year, towards hardship support. We have also made an additional £70 million of student hardship funding available to HE providers this financial year.</p><p>HE providers will have flexibility in how they distribute the funding to students, in a way that will best prioritise those in greatest need. Support might include help for students facing additional costs arising from having to maintain accommodation in more than one location. The funding can be distributed to a wide population of students, including postgraduates (whether taught or research) and international students. We will continue to monitor the situation to look at what impact this funding is having.</p><p>The department has also provided £50,000 in funding to help set up the Civic University Network. This funding and the network will help to improve the relationship between universities and their communities and will facilitate sharing of good practice between HE institutions.</p><p>Tenants, including student renters, should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy agreement to the best of their ability. Where tenants can pay the rent as normal, they should do so. Tenants who are unable to do so should speak to their landlord at the earliest opportunity.</p><p>There is further information for tenants and landlords in the context of COVID-19, available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities</a>.</p><p>The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on consumer contracts, cancellation and refunds affected by COVID-19: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds</a>. This guidance sets out the CMA’s view on how the law operates to help consumers understand their rights and help businesses treat their customers fairly.</p><p>Students may be entitled to refunds from certain accommodation providers. depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. Organisations such as Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support.</p><p>Protecting student and staff wellbeing is vital - it is important students can still access the mental health and wellbeing support they need. We recognise that many students are facing additional mental health challenges due to the disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>We expect HE providers to continue to support their students, which has included making services accessible from a distance. We encourage students to stay in touch with their provider’s student support and welfare teams as these services are likely to continue to be an important source of support. Many providers have bolstered their existing mental health services, and adapted delivery mechanisms including reaching out to students who may be more vulnerable.</p><p>I have engaged with universities on this issue and I have written to Vice Chancellors on numerous occasions, outlining that student welfare should be prioritised. I have also convened a working group of representatives from the higher education and health sectors to specifically address the current and pressing issues that students are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>My hon. Friend, the Minister for Children and Families, and I have convened the Mental Health in Education Action Group. This new group, which met for the first time on 8 March, will look at the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and staff in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities.</p><p>We have worked with the OfS to provide Student Space, which has been funded by up to £3 million by the OfS. Student Space is a mental health and wellbeing platform designed to bridge any gaps in support for students arising from this unprecedented situation and is designed to work alongside existing services. Ensuring that students have access to quality mental health support is my top priority, which is why I asked the OfS to look at extending the platform. I am delighted they have been able to extend the platform to support students for the whole 2020/21 academic year, because no student should be left behind at this challenging time. This resource provides dedicated one-to-one phone, text and web chat facilities as well as a collaborative online platform providing vital mental health and wellbeing resources.</p><p>Furthermore, we have asked the OfS to allocate £15 million towards student mental health in the 2021/22 academic year through proposed reforms to Strategic Priorities grant funding, to help address the challenges to student mental health posed by the transition to university, given the increasing demand for mental health services. This will target those students in greatest need of such services, including vulnerable groups and hard to reach students.</p><p>Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak the government has provided over £10 million to leading mental health charities including charities like Young Minds and Place 2 Be, which specifically support the mental health of young people.</p><p>Students struggling with their mental health can access services through the GP they are registered with, or they can register temporarily with a GP closer to their current location if needed: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/</a>, Students can also access online resources from the NHS, Public Health England via the Every Mind Matters website and the mental health charity Mind: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/</a>.</p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan grouped question UIN 169100 169101 169102 169103 question first answered 22/03/2021 17:13:32 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
tabling member	4848 label Biography information for Claudia Webbe

1302405

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Students: Housing
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will provide funding for (a) private sector landlords and (b) owners of purpose-built students accommodation to offer proportionate rebates for students not using such accommodation during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Claudia Webbe
uin	169100
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>This has been a very difficult time for students, and we urge universities and private landlords to review their accommodation policies to ensure that they are fair, clear and have the interests of students at heart.</p><p>The government plays no role in the provision of student residential accommodation. Universities and private accommodation providers are autonomous and are responsible for setting their own rent agreements. Whether a student is entitled to a refund or to an early release from their contract will depend on the specific contractual arrangements between them and their higher education (HE) provider.</p><p>We recognise that, in these exceptional circumstances, some students may face financial hardship. The department has worked with the Office for Students (OfS) to clarify that HE providers are able to use existing funds, worth around £256 million for the 2020/21 academic year, towards hardship support. We have also made an additional £70 million of student hardship funding available to HE providers this financial year.</p><p>HE providers will have flexibility in how they distribute the funding to students, in a way that will best prioritise those in greatest need. Support might include help for students facing additional costs arising from having to maintain accommodation in more than one location. The funding can be distributed to a wide population of students, including postgraduates (whether taught or research) and international students. We will continue to monitor the situation to look at what impact this funding is having.</p><p>The department has also provided £50,000 in funding to help set up the Civic University Network. This funding and the network will help to improve the relationship between universities and their communities and will facilitate sharing of good practice between HE institutions.</p><p>Tenants, including student renters, should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy agreement to the best of their ability. Where tenants can pay the rent as normal, they should do so. Tenants who are unable to do so should speak to their landlord at the earliest opportunity.</p><p>There is further information for tenants and landlords in the context of COVID-19, available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities</a>.</p><p>The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on consumer contracts, cancellation and refunds affected by COVID-19: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds</a>. This guidance sets out the CMA’s view on how the law operates to help consumers understand their rights and help businesses treat their customers fairly.</p><p>Students may be entitled to refunds from certain accommodation providers. depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. Organisations such as Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support.</p><p>Protecting student and staff wellbeing is vital - it is important students can still access the mental health and wellbeing support they need. We recognise that many students are facing additional mental health challenges due to the disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>We expect HE providers to continue to support their students, which has included making services accessible from a distance. We encourage students to stay in touch with their provider’s student support and welfare teams as these services are likely to continue to be an important source of support. Many providers have bolstered their existing mental health services, and adapted delivery mechanisms including reaching out to students who may be more vulnerable.</p><p>I have engaged with universities on this issue and I have written to Vice Chancellors on numerous occasions, outlining that student welfare should be prioritised. I have also convened a working group of representatives from the higher education and health sectors to specifically address the current and pressing issues that students are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>My hon. Friend, the Minister for Children and Families, and I have convened the Mental Health in Education Action Group. This new group, which met for the first time on 8 March, will look at the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and staff in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities.</p><p>We have worked with the OfS to provide Student Space, which has been funded by up to £3 million by the OfS. Student Space is a mental health and wellbeing platform designed to bridge any gaps in support for students arising from this unprecedented situation and is designed to work alongside existing services. Ensuring that students have access to quality mental health support is my top priority, which is why I asked the OfS to look at extending the platform. I am delighted they have been able to extend the platform to support students for the whole 2020/21 academic year, because no student should be left behind at this challenging time. This resource provides dedicated one-to-one phone, text and web chat facilities as well as a collaborative online platform providing vital mental health and wellbeing resources.</p><p>Furthermore, we have asked the OfS to allocate £15 million towards student mental health in the 2021/22 academic year through proposed reforms to Strategic Priorities grant funding, to help address the challenges to student mental health posed by the transition to university, given the increasing demand for mental health services. This will target those students in greatest need of such services, including vulnerable groups and hard to reach students.</p><p>Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak the government has provided over £10 million to leading mental health charities including charities like Young Minds and Place 2 Be, which specifically support the mental health of young people.</p><p>Students struggling with their mental health can access services through the GP they are registered with, or they can register temporarily with a GP closer to their current location if needed: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/</a>, Students can also access online resources from the NHS, Public Health England via the Every Mind Matters website and the mental health charity Mind: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/</a>.</p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan grouped question UIN 169099 169101 169102 169103 question first answered 22/03/2021 17:13:32 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
tabling member	4848 label Biography information for Claudia Webbe

1302406

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Students: Housing
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to enable students who wish to break (a) university and (b) private-sector accommodation contracts early due to being unable to access their term-time housing for significant periods during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Claudia Webbe
uin	169101
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>This has been a very difficult time for students, and we urge universities and private landlords to review their accommodation policies to ensure that they are fair, clear and have the interests of students at heart.</p><p>The government plays no role in the provision of student residential accommodation. Universities and private accommodation providers are autonomous and are responsible for setting their own rent agreements. Whether a student is entitled to a refund or to an early release from their contract will depend on the specific contractual arrangements between them and their higher education (HE) provider.</p><p>We recognise that, in these exceptional circumstances, some students may face financial hardship. The department has worked with the Office for Students (OfS) to clarify that HE providers are able to use existing funds, worth around £256 million for the 2020/21 academic year, towards hardship support. We have also made an additional £70 million of student hardship funding available to HE providers this financial year.</p><p>HE providers will have flexibility in how they distribute the funding to students, in a way that will best prioritise those in greatest need. Support might include help for students facing additional costs arising from having to maintain accommodation in more than one location. The funding can be distributed to a wide population of students, including postgraduates (whether taught or research) and international students. We will continue to monitor the situation to look at what impact this funding is having.</p><p>The department has also provided £50,000 in funding to help set up the Civic University Network. This funding and the network will help to improve the relationship between universities and their communities and will facilitate sharing of good practice between HE institutions.</p><p>Tenants, including student renters, should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy agreement to the best of their ability. Where tenants can pay the rent as normal, they should do so. Tenants who are unable to do so should speak to their landlord at the earliest opportunity.</p><p>There is further information for tenants and landlords in the context of COVID-19, available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities</a>.</p><p>The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on consumer contracts, cancellation and refunds affected by COVID-19: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds</a>. This guidance sets out the CMA’s view on how the law operates to help consumers understand their rights and help businesses treat their customers fairly.</p><p>Students may be entitled to refunds from certain accommodation providers. depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. Organisations such as Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support.</p><p>Protecting student and staff wellbeing is vital - it is important students can still access the mental health and wellbeing support they need. We recognise that many students are facing additional mental health challenges due to the disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>We expect HE providers to continue to support their students, which has included making services accessible from a distance. We encourage students to stay in touch with their provider’s student support and welfare teams as these services are likely to continue to be an important source of support. Many providers have bolstered their existing mental health services, and adapted delivery mechanisms including reaching out to students who may be more vulnerable.</p><p>I have engaged with universities on this issue and I have written to Vice Chancellors on numerous occasions, outlining that student welfare should be prioritised. I have also convened a working group of representatives from the higher education and health sectors to specifically address the current and pressing issues that students are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>My hon. Friend, the Minister for Children and Families, and I have convened the Mental Health in Education Action Group. This new group, which met for the first time on 8 March, will look at the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and staff in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities.</p><p>We have worked with the OfS to provide Student Space, which has been funded by up to £3 million by the OfS. Student Space is a mental health and wellbeing platform designed to bridge any gaps in support for students arising from this unprecedented situation and is designed to work alongside existing services. Ensuring that students have access to quality mental health support is my top priority, which is why I asked the OfS to look at extending the platform. I am delighted they have been able to extend the platform to support students for the whole 2020/21 academic year, because no student should be left behind at this challenging time. This resource provides dedicated one-to-one phone, text and web chat facilities as well as a collaborative online platform providing vital mental health and wellbeing resources.</p><p>Furthermore, we have asked the OfS to allocate £15 million towards student mental health in the 2021/22 academic year through proposed reforms to Strategic Priorities grant funding, to help address the challenges to student mental health posed by the transition to university, given the increasing demand for mental health services. This will target those students in greatest need of such services, including vulnerable groups and hard to reach students.</p><p>Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak the government has provided over £10 million to leading mental health charities including charities like Young Minds and Place 2 Be, which specifically support the mental health of young people.</p><p>Students struggling with their mental health can access services through the GP they are registered with, or they can register temporarily with a GP closer to their current location if needed: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/</a>, Students can also access online resources from the NHS, Public Health England via the Every Mind Matters website and the mental health charity Mind: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/</a>.</p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan grouped question UIN 169099 169100 169102 169103 question first answered 22/03/2021 17:13:32 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
tabling member	4848 label Biography information for Claudia Webbe

1302407

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Universities: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will provide additional funding for universities to fund (a) additional mental health support, (b) community building initiatives and (c) student hardship grants.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Claudia Webbe
uin	169102
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>This has been a very difficult time for students, and we urge universities and private landlords to review their accommodation policies to ensure that they are fair, clear and have the interests of students at heart.</p><p>The government plays no role in the provision of student residential accommodation. Universities and private accommodation providers are autonomous and are responsible for setting their own rent agreements. Whether a student is entitled to a refund or to an early release from their contract will depend on the specific contractual arrangements between them and their higher education (HE) provider.</p><p>We recognise that, in these exceptional circumstances, some students may face financial hardship. The department has worked with the Office for Students (OfS) to clarify that HE providers are able to use existing funds, worth around £256 million for the 2020/21 academic year, towards hardship support. We have also made an additional £70 million of student hardship funding available to HE providers this financial year.</p><p>HE providers will have flexibility in how they distribute the funding to students, in a way that will best prioritise those in greatest need. Support might include help for students facing additional costs arising from having to maintain accommodation in more than one location. The funding can be distributed to a wide population of students, including postgraduates (whether taught or research) and international students. We will continue to monitor the situation to look at what impact this funding is having.</p><p>The department has also provided £50,000 in funding to help set up the Civic University Network. This funding and the network will help to improve the relationship between universities and their communities and will facilitate sharing of good practice between HE institutions.</p><p>Tenants, including student renters, should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy agreement to the best of their ability. Where tenants can pay the rent as normal, they should do so. Tenants who are unable to do so should speak to their landlord at the earliest opportunity.</p><p>There is further information for tenants and landlords in the context of COVID-19, available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities</a>.</p><p>The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on consumer contracts, cancellation and refunds affected by COVID-19: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds</a>. This guidance sets out the CMA’s view on how the law operates to help consumers understand their rights and help businesses treat their customers fairly.</p><p>Students may be entitled to refunds from certain accommodation providers. depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. Organisations such as Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support.</p><p>Protecting student and staff wellbeing is vital - it is important students can still access the mental health and wellbeing support they need. We recognise that many students are facing additional mental health challenges due to the disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>We expect HE providers to continue to support their students, which has included making services accessible from a distance. We encourage students to stay in touch with their provider’s student support and welfare teams as these services are likely to continue to be an important source of support. Many providers have bolstered their existing mental health services, and adapted delivery mechanisms including reaching out to students who may be more vulnerable.</p><p>I have engaged with universities on this issue and I have written to Vice Chancellors on numerous occasions, outlining that student welfare should be prioritised. I have also convened a working group of representatives from the higher education and health sectors to specifically address the current and pressing issues that students are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>My hon. Friend, the Minister for Children and Families, and I have convened the Mental Health in Education Action Group. This new group, which met for the first time on 8 March, will look at the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and staff in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities.</p><p>We have worked with the OfS to provide Student Space, which has been funded by up to £3 million by the OfS. Student Space is a mental health and wellbeing platform designed to bridge any gaps in support for students arising from this unprecedented situation and is designed to work alongside existing services. Ensuring that students have access to quality mental health support is my top priority, which is why I asked the OfS to look at extending the platform. I am delighted they have been able to extend the platform to support students for the whole 2020/21 academic year, because no student should be left behind at this challenging time. This resource provides dedicated one-to-one phone, text and web chat facilities as well as a collaborative online platform providing vital mental health and wellbeing resources.</p><p>Furthermore, we have asked the OfS to allocate £15 million towards student mental health in the 2021/22 academic year through proposed reforms to Strategic Priorities grant funding, to help address the challenges to student mental health posed by the transition to university, given the increasing demand for mental health services. This will target those students in greatest need of such services, including vulnerable groups and hard to reach students.</p><p>Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak the government has provided over £10 million to leading mental health charities including charities like Young Minds and Place 2 Be, which specifically support the mental health of young people.</p><p>Students struggling with their mental health can access services through the GP they are registered with, or they can register temporarily with a GP closer to their current location if needed: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/</a>, Students can also access online resources from the NHS, Public Health England via the Every Mind Matters website and the mental health charity Mind: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/</a>.</p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan grouped question UIN 169099 169100 169101 169103 question first answered 22/03/2021 17:13:32 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
tabling member	4848 label Biography information for Claudia Webbe

1302408

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Students: Mental Health Services
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will take steps with (a) universities and (b) NHS mental health service providers to ensure that students are able to access support free at the point of access which is available between their term-time address and non-term time address.
tabling member constituency	Leicester East
tabling member printed	Claudia Webbe
uin	169103
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>This has been a very difficult time for students, and we urge universities and private landlords to review their accommodation policies to ensure that they are fair, clear and have the interests of students at heart.</p><p>The government plays no role in the provision of student residential accommodation. Universities and private accommodation providers are autonomous and are responsible for setting their own rent agreements. Whether a student is entitled to a refund or to an early release from their contract will depend on the specific contractual arrangements between them and their higher education (HE) provider.</p><p>We recognise that, in these exceptional circumstances, some students may face financial hardship. The department has worked with the Office for Students (OfS) to clarify that HE providers are able to use existing funds, worth around £256 million for the 2020/21 academic year, towards hardship support. We have also made an additional £70 million of student hardship funding available to HE providers this financial year.</p><p>HE providers will have flexibility in how they distribute the funding to students, in a way that will best prioritise those in greatest need. Support might include help for students facing additional costs arising from having to maintain accommodation in more than one location. The funding can be distributed to a wide population of students, including postgraduates (whether taught or research) and international students. We will continue to monitor the situation to look at what impact this funding is having.</p><p>The department has also provided £50,000 in funding to help set up the Civic University Network. This funding and the network will help to improve the relationship between universities and their communities and will facilitate sharing of good practice between HE institutions.</p><p>Tenants, including student renters, should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy agreement to the best of their ability. Where tenants can pay the rent as normal, they should do so. Tenants who are unable to do so should speak to their landlord at the earliest opportunity.</p><p>There is further information for tenants and landlords in the context of COVID-19, available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities</a>.</p><p>The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on consumer contracts, cancellation and refunds affected by COVID-19: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds</a>. This guidance sets out the CMA’s view on how the law operates to help consumers understand their rights and help businesses treat their customers fairly.</p><p>Students may be entitled to refunds from certain accommodation providers. depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. Organisations such as Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support.</p><p>Protecting student and staff wellbeing is vital - it is important students can still access the mental health and wellbeing support they need. We recognise that many students are facing additional mental health challenges due to the disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>We expect HE providers to continue to support their students, which has included making services accessible from a distance. We encourage students to stay in touch with their provider’s student support and welfare teams as these services are likely to continue to be an important source of support. Many providers have bolstered their existing mental health services, and adapted delivery mechanisms including reaching out to students who may be more vulnerable.</p><p>I have engaged with universities on this issue and I have written to Vice Chancellors on numerous occasions, outlining that student welfare should be prioritised. I have also convened a working group of representatives from the higher education and health sectors to specifically address the current and pressing issues that students are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>My hon. Friend, the Minister for Children and Families, and I have convened the Mental Health in Education Action Group. This new group, which met for the first time on 8 March, will look at the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and staff in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities.</p><p>We have worked with the OfS to provide Student Space, which has been funded by up to £3 million by the OfS. Student Space is a mental health and wellbeing platform designed to bridge any gaps in support for students arising from this unprecedented situation and is designed to work alongside existing services. Ensuring that students have access to quality mental health support is my top priority, which is why I asked the OfS to look at extending the platform. I am delighted they have been able to extend the platform to support students for the whole 2020/21 academic year, because no student should be left behind at this challenging time. This resource provides dedicated one-to-one phone, text and web chat facilities as well as a collaborative online platform providing vital mental health and wellbeing resources.</p><p>Furthermore, we have asked the OfS to allocate £15 million towards student mental health in the 2021/22 academic year through proposed reforms to Strategic Priorities grant funding, to help address the challenges to student mental health posed by the transition to university, given the increasing demand for mental health services. This will target those students in greatest need of such services, including vulnerable groups and hard to reach students.</p><p>Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak the government has provided over £10 million to leading mental health charities including charities like Young Minds and Place 2 Be, which specifically support the mental health of young people.</p><p>Students struggling with their mental health can access services through the GP they are registered with, or they can register temporarily with a GP closer to their current location if needed: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-register-as-a-temporary-resident-with-a-gp/</a>, Students can also access online resources from the NHS, Public Health England via the Every Mind Matters website and the mental health charity Mind: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/" target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/</a>.</p> answering member constituency Chippenham answering member printed Michelle Donelan grouped question UIN 169099 169100 169101 169102 question first answered 22/03/2021 17:13:32 answering member 4530 label Biography information for Michelle Donelan
tabling member	4848 label Biography information for Claudia Webbe

1302422

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Schools: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the fund for exceptional costs associated with covid-19 for the period from March to July 2020, how many applications were (a) awarded and (b) rejected by constituency and local authority; and what the value was of those applications (i) awarded and (ii) rejected by constituency and local authority.
tabling member constituency	Ilford North
tabling member printed	Wes Streeting
uin	168979
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/03/2021 answer text <p>The Department has provided additional funding to schools, on top of existing budgets, to cover unavoidable costs incurred between March and July 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak that could not be met from their budgets.</p><p>Schools were eligible to claim for funding for: increased premises related costs associated with keeping open over the Easter and summer half term holidays; support for free school meals for eligible children who were not in school, where schools were not using the national voucher scheme; and additional cleaning costs required due to confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases, over and above the cost of existing cleaning arrangements.</p><p>To date, the Department has paid schools £138 million for all claims within the published scope of the fund, across both application windows. In the first application window we offered the opportunity for schools to flag other exceptional costs not included under the agreed categories, which were subject to further assessment. Schools applied for £42 million of additional costs which were not paid. We made it clear that we could not guarantee any claims beyond the published scope of the fund would be paid. It is reasonable for taxpayers to expect that public funding is targeted towards those who most need it. Therefore, the fund was targeted towards the costs we identified as the biggest barrier to schools operating as they needed to between March and July 2020 to support vulnerable children and children of critical workers.</p><p>Over 15,500 schools applied for funding through the exceptional costs fund, and to date we have made more than 19,000 payments from the fund. Around 450 schools did not apply for any of the eligible categories of funding and have not received payments.</p><p>The Department will publish a full breakdown of allocations from the exceptional costs fund, by school, in due course.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 18/03/2021 16:12:51 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4504 label Biography information for Wes Streeting

1302454

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Pupils: Allergies
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance is in place on the provision schools must make for children with allergies at risk of anaphylaxis.
tabling member constituency	Blackpool North and Cleveleys
tabling member printed	Paul Maynard
uin	168868
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>Governing bodies of maintained schools and proprietors of academies have a legal duty to ensure that their school has a policy in place to support pupils with medical conditions. The department’s statutory guidance ‘Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions at School’ makes it clear to schools what is expected of them in taking reasonable steps to fulfil their legal obligations and to meet the needs of pupils with medical conditions, including allergies. The guidance provides advice on a range of areas including staff training, administration of medicines and consulting with parents. The guidance is available here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions--3" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions--3</a>.</p><p>Schools should also be aware of Department of Health and Social Care guidance for schools on adrenaline auto-injectors: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/using-emergency-adrenaline-auto-injectors-in-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/using-emergency-adrenaline-auto-injectors-in-schools</a>. Any member of staff may volunteer to take on the responsibilities set out in this guidance, but they cannot be required to do so.</p><p>We have also made allergies part of the Health Education curriculum for all pupils in state funded schools, which has been mandatory since September 2020. Schools must have regard to the guidance we have issued, which sets out that pupils should be taught about the facts and science relating to allergies, immunisation and vaccination: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education</a>.</p><p>In addition to this, officials in the department work closely with the Health Conditions in Schools Alliance, of which the Anaphylaxis Campaign is a member, to explore how we can supplement the statutory requirements with accessible resources to help schools to improve the way they support children with allergies.</p> answering member constituency Chelmsford answering member printed Vicky Ford question first answered 22/03/2021 17:57:20 answering member 4674 label Biography information for Vicky Ford
tabling member	3926 label Biography information for Paul Maynard

1302456

registered interest
date	15/03/2021
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of requiring additional protection measures to prevent the transmission of covid-19 in SEN schools.
tabling member constituency	Twickenham
tabling member printed	Munira Wilson
uin	169061
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/03/2021 answer text <p>The Department continues to work closely with other Government Departments throughout its response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including Public Health England (PHE) and the Department of Health and Social Care, as well as stakeholders across the sector. We continue to work to ensure that our policy is based on the latest scientific and medical advice, to continue to develop comprehensive guidance based on the PHE-endorsed ‘system of controls’ and to understand the impact and effectiveness of these measures on staff, pupils and parents.</p><p>The Department has recently published updated guidance for schools, including special schools and other specialist settings. The guidance can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak</a> and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-full-opening-special-schools-and-other-specialist-settings" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-full-opening-special-schools-and-other-specialist-settings</a>.</p><p>As the guidance outlines, implementing the system of controls in line with a wider risk assessment creates a safer environment for staff and pupils where the risk of transmission of the infection is substantially reduced. All elements of the system of controls are essential, but the way schools, colleges and nurseries implement the elements will differ based on their individual circumstances. Schools, colleges and nurseries have duties to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils and students to support them to access education successfully.</p><p>PHE advice remains that the way to control COVID-19 is the same, even with the current new variants. We are further strengthening the measures to provide more reassurance and to help decrease the disruption that the outbreak causes to education. We will keep all measures under review and update guidance as necessary.</p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 18/03/2021 16:25:06 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb
tabling member	4776 label Biography information for Munira Wilson