ONE of the country’s top politicians was in Southampton to promote moves to help the city’s low-income youngsters in to higher education. Universities minister David Willetts is backing a scholarship programme that aims to ease the financial burden of local students looking to take up degrees at the city’s two universities.

As part of their election manifesto, ruling Conservatives at Southampton City Council say they will hand £45,000 to each establishment for bursaries to pay for learning materials, travel and subsistence.

Meanwhile, the universities would offer fee waivers in line with newly negotiated admissions policies costing each institution around £100,000.

Tory bosses hope it will help 45 low income local youngsters access higher education in the city.

Mr Willetts said: “This is a great initiative by the council.

“What they are doing is assisting with the costs of being at university, by that buying equipment, study material or books.

“It will be a real help for the students who cannot afford some of the things they need.

“Financial assistance is very valuable and I think this is going to make all the difference for some people.”