The North East Somerset MP Jacob Rees Mogg writes:

As a new academic year begins, I thought it would be worthwhile to use my column this week to give younger constituents who are heading off to university – as well as their parents – some information about student finance applications that I have recently received from the Student Loans Company (SLC).

Each year, applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure they have their student finance in place by the start of term. However, it is still possible to apply at this later stage and the SLC will do its best to ensure all eligible students have funds in place by the beginning of the term or as close to term start as possible.

This year, the amount of information and guidance available has expanded online and SLC teams are also responding to customer enquiries on social media. It is also currently midway through a significant transformation programme, which aims to simplify the system and – working with the Department for Education – the policy and regulations that are administered.

Through the Student Finance England service (SFE), SLC oversees funding for over one million English students on behalf of the UK Government and works to ensure that the administration of student finance in England is in accordance with the relevant student support regulations authorised by Parliament.

If there are any constituents who need assistance with their loans please do not hesitate to contact me, I have been assured that concerns will be resolved as quickly as possible: www.jacobreesmogg.com / [email protected] or go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/student-loans-company