Browne's hidden hand a slap in sector's face (part 4)

We are very concerned that some of the recommendations in the Browne Review could prevent disabled students from accessing university.

The proposed £3,750 upfront loan for living expenses does not come close to covering the additional costs facing disabled students, who need accessible accommodation (which cannot be provided by the usual housing offered to students) and accessible, affordable transport.

It is also unclear whether students on part-time courses would be entitled to cost-of-living expenses - many disabled students can access higher education only because they can enrol part-time.

The recommendations in the report calling on the government to set more rigid minimum-entry requirements for higher education could leave universities in breach of their disability equality duty.

The Browne Review also misses the opportunity to reduce the complexity of funding arrangements for disabled students. Currently, disabled learners have to navigate their way through a minefield of multiple funding streams with different eligibility criteria.

Finally, we were surprised to note that the proposed Higher Education Council would apparently have no remit to take the lead in improving higher education access for disabled learners.

Simone Aspis, Campaigns and policy coordinator, Alliance for Inclusive Education, London.