Jess Brown-Fuller MP: Student Loan System Is Failing Women and Carers

Jess Brown-Fuller has called for urgent reform of the student loan system, warning that it is unfairly penalising women those with caring responsibilities who take time out of work to raise children or look after a loved one. 

In Parliament, Jess has highlighted the case of a constituent who had been steadily paying off her student loan before stepping back from work to have children. When she returned to employment, her outstanding balance had grown to more than it was when she first graduated.  

The issue is not unique. The government have said they are exploring options to reform the student loan system, especially for those on Plan 2 loans, taken out by students between 2012 and 2023.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUPNJNqeJ7E

Jess Brown-Fuller criticises the current state of the student loans system, highlighting soaring repayments disproportionately affect women and those who have caring responsibilities.

Jess Brown-Fuller said: 

“This issue disproportionately affects women and those with caring responsibilities. My constituent returned to work after raising her children to find her debt had grown beyond where it started. She now expects to be paying it off until retirement. That is an unacceptable situation.” 

Under the current system, interest continues to accrue during periods of maternity leave and reduced income, leaving many women facing decades of repayments simply because they chose to start a family. 

The Liberal Democrats have argued that the student finance system is broken and have called for fairer repayment terms, and a move towards a more equitable model that does not punish people for caring responsibilities. They are also calling for partial debt write-offs for frontline professions such as nurses after 10 years of service in the NHS.  

Jess Brown-Fuller added: 

“Women and carers should not be financially penalised after leaving University, when young people are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. If we are serious about equality, we cannot allow a system where mothers return to work only to find their debt has spiralled. The Government must urgently review how interest is applied and ensure the system works for modern family life.” 

Jess has pledged to continue pressing Ministers to reform a system that is leaving too many women trapped in long-term debt.