Many students are concerned that they will not receive their funds before the start of term, and have not been able to get through to SFE’s helpline for further information.
NUS President Wes Streeting said “Student loans are a lifeline to many people, and without them the costs of university would simply be unbearable. NUS has been inundated by emails from students who are deeply concerned that they will not receive their money on time. Students are demanding an urgent assurance that they will receive their loans in time for the start of term.
“Given the level of anxiety being experienced by applicants, it is unacceptable that so many are having difficulties getting through to the helpline. Student Finance England must improve its enquiries system so that anyone who is concerned about their application can get the information they need.
“If students find themselves without funds once the new term starts, there will be some very serious questions for Student Finance England to answer, especially as they have assured us time and again that significant backlogs will not be a problem.”
The letter in full
Dear Mr Seymour Jackson,
I am writing to request an urgent update regarding the current situation surrounding the processing of student finance applications and the state of preparedness for the imminent start of term for undergraduate students across England. I note the latest news coverage of this issue today.
We are experiencing an increasing volume of correspondence from students anxious about the state of their applications, many of whom have experienced a delay as a result of loss of supporting evidence and documentation by Student Finance England. This week, my office has received a number of calls from national journalists, speculating about an apparent backlog in the processing of applications. Seven weeks ago, we received similar enquiries and were assured by colleagues at Student Finance England that significant backlogs would not be a problem.
We are anxious to be in a position to give accurate information to students who write to us concerning their applications. We are also anxious that, in the event that there are any difficulties with the timely processing of applications, Student Finance England gives as much notice to universities and to applicants as possible so that contingency arrangements can be planned and put in place.
Given the urgency of the situation and our proximity to the start of term for the majority of universities across the country, I would appreciate a response as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Wes Streeting
National President
Related Links
Student Finance England