Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Reduction in Student Support Loan

My son is in his 2nd year at uni. His student loan was approved for 2016/17 and I have only now noticed that there has been a significant reduction in figures compared to his first year. Our family circumstances haven't changed and I hesitate to add that his loan covers his accommodation only with barely anything left for living expenses. I understand that each individual student's loan is granted based on their circumstances but as I pointed out, ours hasn't changed so I am baffled as to why his loan for the 2nd year is not the same as the 1st. Can someone explain? Thank you.