Our local MP wants to give us a bigger maintenance loan

Bearded wonder Julian Huppert MP has unveiled a new campaign to match the Cambridge maintenance loan with London.

Addressing the notoriously high cost of living in our city, he denounced the exorbitant prices as “unacceptable”.

Lib Dem Julian, 36, says he wants to work with Anglia Ruskin University Student Union and Cambridge to push for the change – if he is re-elected in the upcoming election.

Cambridge MP Julian announced his grand plan to improve our financial support.

He said: “Students come from across the country to study at our two excellent universities and the cost of living in Cambridge for those moving from far cheaper areas can be a real shock.

“I don’t want to imagine that anyone would be forced to turn down a place at one of our great universities because they couldn’t afford the cost of living in Cambridge.”

Julian raised the issue with Unis Minister Greg Clark, asking him to match maintenance loans in expensive areas in Cambridge to the £5555 London rate.

He added: “The cost of renting accommodation in Cambridge matches the prices charged in London and yet students don’t receive the same level of financial support.

“This means many of them struggle to make ends meet and have to rely heavily on family or run up high bank overdrafts to pay their way. This is unacceptable.”

Uni Minister Greg told Julian decisions are taken on an annual basis, so academic year 2015-’16 will be maintained at this year’s levels.

Sarah Haider, Anglia Ruskin Experience Officer said: “Cambridge city has been proven to be one of the most expensive cities to live in for students due to rising rental and living costs.

“As a Union we believe that increasing the maintenance loan for students living in Cambridge to be on par with that of London students is the first step towards recognising the financial support necessary for students of Anglia Ruskin to continue living and studying in Cambridge.”  

Finally. Someone has heard our cries.