Student finance review could lead to higher fees
By Staff Reporter | Published On November 10, 2009 | In National
– Tom Haughton contributed with this report
The government announced on Monday the formation of an independent review into student finance in higher education, which the National Union of Students (NUS) have claimed will lead to a rise in tuition fees.
The review is led by Lord Browne, former BP chief executive, will “examine the balance of contributions to universities by taxpayers, students, graduates, and employers,” according to Lord Mandelson, the business secretary.
“This is an important piece of work which will require extensive consultation with all who would be affected by any changes, including current and potential students. I look forward to hearing the recommendations of the review team in due course,” Mandelson added.
The review has been negatively met by the NUS, as they call for emergency action in Parliament, which is taking place on Wednesday, November 11th. The NUS aims to get the various political parties to state where they stand on tuitions fees in higher education. Students and Students’ Unions around the country are expected outside Parliament to show student opinion on the review.
Wes Streeting, the NUS’s president, said: “There is a real danger that this review will pave the way for higher fees and a market in prices that would see poorer students priced out of more prestigious universities, and other students and universities consigned to the ‘bargain basement’. This would be a disaster for UK higher education and must not be allowed to happen.”
A YouGov poll commissioned by pressure group Compass revealed that only 12% of the public think the review should even consider increasing fees, while a majority believes that it should look at alternatives to fees.
The findings of the review will be published in 2010, most likely after a general election and a change of government.
YOUR VIEWS | NO COMMENTS SO FAR
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our moderation policy.
Studenthood »
General Election: who’s the most student friendly?
March 3, 2010
As the General Election looms, The Linc’s Jessica Brown looks at the main parties and how each of them can affect you.
Film »
Oscars 2010: Our predictions and the winners
March 7, 2010
UPDATE: The winners the 82nd Oscars are in. Were The Linc’s predicitions right? Find out inside!
Guest Columns »
The super injunction
March 10, 2010
The media has in recent weeks complained of a use of injunctions to not only to prevent publication of controversial stories but to stifle the very discussion of the injunction itself.
Health »
Would you risk a tan?
March 2, 2010
A tan for the summer may seem appealing, but the search for the perfect sun-kissed skin could be at a massive cost to your health.
Sport »
10K winner Bowser aims for the Olympics
March 9, 2010
Last year’s Lincoln 10k winner is hoping to achieve his dream of reaching an Olympic final. Matthew Bowser opts for 5,000 metres to be his favourite is currently in training for the World Championships.
Gaming »
The diary of a virtual farmer
March 9, 2010
The allure of having virtual farm “Farmville” on Facebook is baffling to many. Jonathan Cresswell spent two weeks playing the game loved by millions to find out what makes it so addictive.
