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Newly published UCAS figures reveal a 7% rise in applications to universities this year. But there’s only a modest rise in applications from the lowest socio-economic groups, apparently.

Research from the Sutton Trust suggests that many students from poorer backgrounds are put off from applying to university because they’re afraid of getting into debt - and very few of them tend to be aware of the bursaries or maintenance grants on offer.

Moreover, students from homes with an annual income of less than £35,000 are much more likely to consider a local university. Over the past ten years, the percentage of students planning to attend nearby universities so that they can live at home has increased more than threefold, from 18% to 56%.

Sutton Trust chairman Sir Peter Lampl said “Young people need better information on the complex system of bursaries and grants, and this needs to be provided before they have made their higher education choices.”

Welcoming the new UCAS figures, higher education minister Bill Rammell commented: “We want to ensure that money is not a barrier to higher education, which is why we have introduced an improved financial package of support, starting this autumn, that has been well publicised to students, their parents, careers advisers and schools… nobody should be put off considering higher education for financial reasons.”

Src : www.ri5.co.uk

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British Gas has announced it is putting gas and electricity prices up on its Market Tracker energy plan by 14% with immediate effect. The plan is designed to track wholesale energy prices on a quarterly basis. It is aimed at a specific type of consumer who does not mind taking a chance on bills going up, as well as down, on a far more frequent basis.

The move follows only weeks after Centrica – British Gas’ parent company – warned of the pricing pressures all suppliers are coming under and gave a strong hint to consumers that it would have no other option but to increase household energy prices for the second time this year. This increase is seen as an indication of what consumers can expect.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer policy at uSwitch.com, comments: “The British Gas Market Tracker plan tracks wholesale energy prices so acts like an early warning system, alerting consumers to the pressures suppliers are under and the impact this could have on household energy prices.

“Today’s Tracker price increase following so swiftly from Centrica’s hint a few weeks ago, is a clear sign of things to come and consumers should now be fully prepared for across the board energy price rises. We are talking about all suppliers putting up their prices for a second, or even third, time this year. In the worst case scenario this could lead to the average household energy bill hitting £1,327[2] by the end of the year.

“Consumers cannot afford to ignore these signs - they need to take action now to stand any chance of limiting the impact of higher prices. Online energy plans remain a good option for those who want to pay a lower price now and are happy to take their chances on the market in the future. Those who are more vulnerable to price rises or are already on a stretched budget should consider a fixed or capped price plan to protect themselves. These plans carry a premium, but should still work out cheaper than the plan you are currently on if you’ve never switched before.”

For more information visit www.uSwitch.com or call 0800 093 06 07

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