Additional student support will make a real difference

Carla Lockhart MP • October 19, 2022

Local DUP MP Carla Lockhart has commended her colleague, the Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, for bringing forward an increase of 40% to student maintenance loans from the 2023/24 academic year.

Welcoming the move, the Upper Bann representative said:


“Student days are meant to be the best days of your life, but if you are weighed down by money worries and financial uncertainty it can make going to university impossible, or extremely challenging.


Like the rest of society, students are facing a real squeeze on their finances. Rent has increased, food prices have increased, and transport costs have spiralled. I am delighted that my DUP colleague, Gordon Lyons MLA, has brought forward his plan to increase maintenance loans by 40% from the 2023/24 academic year. I know students will be very much appreciative of this announcement and the financial boost it will give.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the ABC Council Blitz Team after witnessing first-hand the positive impact their work is having across local communities.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-awaited improvement works by the Department for Infrastructure in the Mourneview area of Craigavon, particularly in and around the Spelga Park area.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a positive outcome for Northern Ireland consumers after Uswitch agreed to change its approach following concerns she raised on behalf of a constituent.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Northern Ireland Health Minister calling for stronger protections, greater awareness and improved support for children living with severe allergies.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the final Assembly approval of regulations paving the way for the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart will tomorrow lead a delegation to Westminster as part of the campaign to secure the inclusion of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) in the UK newborn heel-prick screening programme.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 29, 2026
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has called on the PSNI and Stormont departments to do more to protect farmers and rural communities from escalating levels of crime across Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 28, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed concern at mounting pressures facing the UK bakery sector - a vital cornerstone of our food manufacturing industry and a key employer across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the Justice Minister’s decision to withdraw the consultation and go back to the drawing board on controversial proposed increases to firearms licensing fees, and changes to the banded system in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed confirmation that the 2026 BBC Food and Farming Awards will be held in Northern Ireland for the first time.