Govt 'must tackle student finance problems'

Ministers must take steps to deal with recent student loan delays which may have seen a number of young people face financial difficulties, a politician suggests.

Figures published by the BBC last week have shown that some universities have had to step in to help students who are facing loan delays.

According to David Willetts of the Conservative Party, the government should accept that it needs to address the current situation.

Mr Willetts, who acts as the party's shadow minister for universities and skills, said: "Ministers urgently need to get a grip on the crisis so that students are not forced to drop out and those that start university in January get their money on time."

The politician added that the number of students still waiting for loan funding has reached "tens of thousands".

Johnny Rich of push.co.uk recently suggested that student loan delays could be hitting part-time students in particular, which may mean they need to find ways to get credit.