Scottish colleges take steps to protect students from Cost of Living crisis
Colleges across Scotland are putting in measures such as warm spaces in libraries and free breakfast clubs as concerns mount over how the cost-of-living crisis will affect students.
Colleges across Scotland are putting in measures such as warm spaces in libraries and free breakfast clubs as concerns mount over how the cost-of-living crisis will affect students.
Nineteen out of Scotland's 26 further education colleges responded to the survey by Colleges Scotland, the representative body of Scotland's colleges.
One college has put in place a scheme to distribute free coats from members of staff to students after every college which responded to the survey reported they were "concerned" the cost of living could lead to rising drop out rates.
Free-to-use washing facilities
Free lunches will also be offered at most colleges.
More than nine out of 10 colleges which responded have already put in place "warm space" plans for students this winter, and into the spring, like libraries and study rooms.
Community fridges have also been installed at Edinburgh College campuses with City of Glasgow processing same day payments for students in need of cash urgently.
West Lothian College has installed washing machines and tumble dryers on campus to save students money on energy costs.
A quarter of students struggling with rent
The National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland reported this year that 25% of students were unable to pay their rent in full on one or more occasion.
It also found that about two thirds (64%) have experienced mental ill-health as a result of financial pressures with 60% of students worries or stressed about their finances "frequently" or "all the time".
Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland said the interventions come despite the sector's own challenging budget cuts.
She added: "Staying warm and having access to food and financial support is critical for learning and to help students complete their course.
"And, while the Government has now announced plans to provide support on energy it won't impact on the massive rises in other living expenses."
'Learning "won't happen" if students are stressed'
Ms Struthers said students have already experienced "incredible stresses" following the Covid pandemic.
"We want students to know their college is here to help wherever, whenever, and however we can," she added.
Lydia Rohmer leads on student poverty for Colleges Scotland and emphasised learning "won't happen" if students are stressed, worried about bills or arriving hungry for class.
"The financial anxiety of some students is palpable at the moment. Whether it's keeping students warm, providing food, or other practical means, colleges will stretch our resources as much as we can to help students cope," she added.
"Everything we do as a college is about giving students every opportunity to enjoy a better future - it's vital the cost-of-living crisis doesn't overtake that chance."
Cost of Living crisis
Interest rates and inflation go up
Inflation rose by 8.8% in the 12 months to January 2023, down from 9.2% in December 2022. With interest rates also rising to 4%, those saving money will earn more interest on their finances, whilst those paying mortgages would pay more interest to the bank.
Energy bills
The price of energy went up incredibly as the cost of living crisis hit, with the gas price spike caused largely by the war in Ukraine. The price cap - which is set by an independent regulator to help offset costs onto customers - was set to rise to £3,549 for an average home in October but a price freeze from the government restricted the typical bill to £2,500. That's still an increase of 27% from the previous energy cap and as it's a cap on unit cost, the more energy you use the higher your bill will be.
Food prices
The cost of a weekly shop also has gone up as a result of the cost of living crisis. As a result of the war in Ukraine, a number of products including cooking oils and wheat have been disrupted. This means that several products are now considerably more expensive, driving bills up for customers.
Prices at the pumps
The average cost of petrol has also rose to unprecedented levels. Supply lines for petrol have been thrown into doubt as a result of the war in Ukraine, as Russia is a large export partner for gas, oil and fuel. In April 2022, the average price for a litre of petrol on the forecourt was 160.2p, whilst a litre of diesel would cost 170.5p. By late June 2022 the price had risen to an average of 190.9p for a litre of unleaded and 198.9p for a litre of diesel. In March 2023 the price wass on average of 147.03 in petrol and 167.04 in diesel.
Average cost of filling up a car with petrol hits £100
On 9th June 2022, the average cost of filling up a car with petrol hit £100 for the first time ever. Diesel had already hit that milestone. It comes as the cost of fuel hit a record high of one pound eighty a litre. The 2p rise was the biggest daily jump in 17 years. Prices have dropped by at least 20p per litre since the high point.