by Jessica Finn

Tuition fees set to rise?

During a period of tentative economic growth, the UK public is experiencing confusion and trepidation as the current political response to a weakened economy is to bring about huge spending cuts and increases in taxation. Whilst some speculate that these cuts are too extreme and may cause a ‘double dip’ recession, others state that the decisions of a group of multi-millionaires can never truly benefit the everyman. It seems these cuts will hit the poorest hardest, leaving the wealthier almost unscathed. Axing of QUANGOs, changes to child benefit rules and colossal job losses in the public sector are examples of the many casualties of the new government policies. Now it seems university funding is next up for the chopping block.

Recently the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance, also known as the Browne review, was published; its purpose to investigate and advise the government on the subject of under-graduate and post-graduate students studying at university in Britain. The main issue that has been causing controversy in the media is that the £3,290 cap on university fees is set to be removed, with some talk about having a cap in the region of £12,000 in its stead. This, the Liberals protest, will make things ‘fair’. The cap previously prevented universities from charging extortionate prices, thus preventing lower income families from sending their children to further education. Bear in mind that not so long ago, attending university was free, but the Labour party, whilst in power, brought about the introduction of ‘top up’ fees.

Without a doubt, having no or a higher cap, will bring a market into further education, with some becoming bankrupt and others reaping high profits. The purpose of a university is to provide education, not to be a money cow. The raised cost will be a disincentive to attending university and this will lead to a worsened economy as Britain relies on highly skilled workers to maintain its high waged economy. A marketing higher education will see some universities fall and others become vastly oversubscribed.

If the proposed reforms take place, repayments on university fees will not have to be made until a graduate is working and earning at least £21,000 a year, whereas the previous starting point for repayments was £15,000. The standard of further education, and the number of places available, may be subject to improvement, but there is no guarantee this will be the case. People who go on to have higher paid jobs will be able to pay off their debts faster, whereas jobs that require you to be highly educated but don’t necessarily pay well, such as teaching, will mean some people are stuck with debt for a very long time. Richer people will pay less, as they can pay back faster, whereas poorer people will pay more as they will continually be making payments.

The bottom line is, poorer people will only be able to afford poorer education. Greater exclusion will result from this and there will be a huge level of inequality between rich and poor. The review has made many people worried about the possibility of soaring fees that may prevent them going on to further education. Government funding within the further education system is set to be reduced, with figures rumoured to be over half the current funding, according to last week’s spending review. This will lead to universities seeking new sources of funding. If student fees are to bear the brunt of this shortfall, then the next generation of highly skilled workers could be faced with serious debt.

I asked students currently studying at secondary school (Melbourn Village College), what their opinions on this were.

“I think it is ridiculous, they already charge enough as it is.” Katya, 15

“I’m very worried about being able to afford university in the future.” Jenny, 14

“It should be free to go to university, you shouldn’t have to pay for knowledge. With expensive fees, poorer people won’t have the chance to get further education.” Beth 14.

An A level student from Bristol said “This is simply ridiculous. To let universities charge whatever they please will simply result in the situation we had before the cap was imposed in the first place – it will be the wealthy that can afford a quality education, and the already increasing gap between rich and poor will continue to grow…”

Why do some people feel particularly betrayed by this sudden U turn? The Liberal Democrats, in the run up to the general election this year, explicitly promised that they would not allow the cap on university fees to be removed, even going to the extent of saying they had plans that would abolish tuition fees altogether. Now in a coalition with the Conservatives, this pledge has been an embarrassing torn in Nick Clegg’s side. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXw7yqHfxDI.

I would suggest that David Cameron consider encouraging apprenticeships and equivalents, which would remove pressure on universities, and allow hands on experience which would suit some people better. The reduction in degree courses taken would increase the fallen value of a degree. By Jessica Finn Year 10 26th October 2010

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If Candlemas be fair and bright Winter will have another flight If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain Winter won’t come again

All Saints’ Church – Melbourn ‘Winter Celebration’

A flower Festival at Candlemas 5th–6th February 2011 11am–4pm Finishing on Sunday with a Service for Candlemas at 4.30pm Warming refreshments will be served all day We look forward to welcoming you

Free Storytime for under 5s!

Restarting Thursday 6th January 2011 10–10.45 am Melbourn Library

The Moor, Melbourn (next to Melbourn Village College)

Contact: Eleanor 01763 260924 or library 01763 269956