Hull University Union www.hullstudent.com Hull College Student Union www.hcsu.co.uk
HULL STUDENT
Manifesto
Introduction
Representation
Hull has a large and diverse student population, with people from all backgrounds studying part-time, full time, in further education, undergraduate or postgraduate education, and taking part in work placements, internships, and apprenticeships. The city welcomes around 8,000 students from out of the area each year, coming from as far afield as Surrey or Saigon.
Many young people feel disconnected from their local authority and at the last General Election just 44% of people aged 18-24 turned out to cast their vote. For students living away from home this sense disconnection can often be worse, with a recent NUS report suggesting that 29% of students in the private rented sector did not feel a part of their local community.
This manifesto is designed to help Hull City Council develop policies and programmes to make Hull a better place to live, work and study for its many students and young people. It focuses on five key areas: representation; education; public services; employment; and housing. Following May’s election, Councillors, Students’ Unions, educational institutions and youth organisations can really change the lives of young people and students by pledging to work together to tackle these issues.
• Work with Students’ Unions and Bite the Ballot to ensure that young people in Hull are encouraged to participate in elections and registered on the electoral roll. • Ensure Students’ Unions and student representatives are included in any and all relevant consultation from Hull City Council. • Support and facilitate active participation in youth services that encourage young people to engage their local community with campaigns and activities on issues that may affect them, such as the UK Youth Parliament.
Education Access to education remains at the top of the political agenda for many students and young people. With national cuts to student support and access funding, it is more important than ever to prove the public good of higher and further education, and ensure that education is accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, disability, or social background. • Encourage more work in schools to raise aspirations and promote participation in higher and further education, such as by widening participation on schemes and extracurricular activities that develop personal and professional skills. • Promote the provision of professional careers advice in schools and colleges.
Nationally, young people are being squeezed out of the conversation around services and benefits – and this won’t end when they leave the classroom.
Housing
Employment
• Diversify the city’s housing offer to fit the needs of all current and prospective residents – including families, students, young professionals, and migrant workers. • Review the safety, security, and quality of private rented housing in the city. • Support accreditation schemes for rented accommodation in the city. • Support and facilitate schemes to encourage young people to look after the community, such as environmental programmes.
Around the country young people are struggling to find work, and the youth unemployment figure in Hull is one of the highest nationally, at above 25%. The city needs to commit to supporting its young people into a lifetime of employment, whether leavers of higher education, further education, or compulsory education.
Public Services • Improve access to affordable childcare for parents who study. • Improve the quality and provision of health services affecting young people, and effectively disseminate information on how young people can affect policy making processes regarding health services in the city. • Encourage the provision and uptake of sexual health outreach services in schools, colleges, and campuses across the city. • Create and protect a fund for the creation of youth services focusing on culture, sport, and academic or vocational development. • Involve young people in policy making processes regarding safety, by leading prevention forums with safety stakeholders in schools, colleges, and campuses.
• Commit to maximising opportunities for graduate employment in Hull and the region. • Create a jobs fund to help young people secure work experience and apprenticeships in the city. • Run a scheme promoting the recruitment of young workers in businesses and organisations across the city and the region. • Support student-led enterprise across schools, colleges, and campuses across the city.
Access to decent housing and public services can often hinder a young person’s ability to train, study, or work proficiently.