Scottish student debt has more than doubled since the SNP came to power Scottish student debt has more than doubled since the SNP came to power in 2007, while the amount of money […]

Scottish student debt has more than doubled since the SNP came to power in 2007, while the amount of money given out in bursaries and grants has almost halved over the past five years, official statistics have revealed.

Students in Scotland are relying on loans worth £486.3m in 2015-16, rising from £185.8m in 2006-07, figures published by the Student Awards Agency Scotland show.

“Bursaries are designed to help students get their foot in the door but this is becoming increasingly hard” The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Liz Smith MSP

The number of students receiving bursaries or grants also fell by almost 5 per cent in a year, bringing the total amount awarded down to £66.1m. Five years ago the figure stood at £127.7m.

The SNP’s political opponents described the cuts to bursaries as “hugely worrying”, claiming it would widen the gap between rich and poor students by putting off the less wealthy from going to university.

As the figures were published, the Scottish Government announced that the chief executive of Virgin Money, Jayne-Anne Gadhia, is to head a review into the effectiveness of the country’s student financial support.

‘Huge task’ ahead

Scottish Labour said Ms Gadhia would have a “huge task on her hands” due to the SNP’s broken promises on student finance, pointing out that when the party came to power in 2007 it had promised to abolish loans and student debt.

“Labour supports free tuition – but students need the financial support to get through university when they get there, instead the SNP has slashed bursaries and ballooned debt,” said the party’s education spokesman Iain Gray.

His Conservative counterpart Liz Smith added: “At a time when we should be doing all we can to close Scotland’s attainment gap, the SNP has chosen to cut the money given to those who need it most.

“Bursaries are designed to help students get their foot in the door but this is becoming increasingly hard, and it’s those in our poorest communities who are missing out.”

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, said she was “delighted” that Ms Gadhia had been appointed to review the system, adding that the Government was committed to making it “fair and effective”.

A Scottish Government spokesman said the number of students getting financial support of some kind was the highest on record, adding that Scottish students were better off than in other parts of the UK.

“The latest figures from the Student Loan Company show that average student loan debt in Scotland continues to be the lowest in the UK and our comprehensive review of student funding will ensure support remains fair and equitable to all students, particularly the most vulnerable,” he added.