DOUBLE WHAMMY HITS TOMORROW'S STUDENTS
July 14, 2009 7:26 PM
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats
Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt today condemned the government's decision to freeze student grants and loans but increase tuition fees from 2010/11.
Speaking from Westminster, Lorely said:
"This decision will act as another barrier for potential university students in Solihull and across the country.
"Government is continuing to hit students hard at a time when debt is rising and graduate employment is falling dramatically.
"As with everything else they touch, the Government's higher education policy is falling to pieces. Students and their families who are financially supporting them will be shocked by this news and I would today like to reiterate my commitment to abolishing student tuition fees. This is a double whammy that is set to hit university applications hard."
Undergraduates from 2010/11 will face a new financial regime where grants and loans have been frozen, but tuition fees have been subject to an above inflation increase of 2%. The news comes as the Government faces a £200 million black hole in university funding, leading to cuts to university budgets and a reduction in the number of new student places available in coming years.
Lorely continued:
"Not only will debt rise as a result of this decision, but it is clear from ministers' mis-management of the higher education sector that standards and facilities will suffer. I am a firm believer in opportunities for all and this rise will deter many from further study.
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