Clarke tells nouse: We must succeed on fees
However, Clarke managed to keep the central issues in sight as he briefed a select group of student representatives and journalists at the London Labour HQ in an attempt to gain support for the new Higher Education Bill.
Admitting that “the current system is failing students” and that university funding in Britain is in a dire state, he said that radical reform was inevitable to prevent our higher education system from collapsing. However, despite pressure from students and backbenchers alike Clarke told nouse that the Government’s top-up fees scheme was the only option. “I believe that people should pay their way through life” he said, outlining the new post-graduation repayment plan of up to 25 years, after which the debt would be written off.
This clear message was aimed at those within the student movement and his own party who were hoping to see the return of grants to counteract the £30,000 of debt Baraclays Bank estimate each student will graduate with.
NUS president Mandy Telford responded angrily after the meeting, claiming that the proposals were “disastarous and would deter thousands from higher education”. Clarke has admitted that “the disincentive effect of course price is real”, but maintained his bullish mood. “We’re living in a different world now” adding that this was a “period of transition, the reforms are not completed yet”.
Despite fears that the initial £3,000 fee would open the gates for American style rises in the future Clarke emphasised that there was no “hidden agenda” to allow this.
However, the Government’s refusal to admit to breaking a manifesto pledge by introducing the bill has led many to distrust the claim. “I doubt if anyone here has been convinced” said Telford, accepting that while many of the proposals such as deferred payment would benefit students, variable fees will always leave students choosing education by price.
The fees proposals broken down
– Variable fees – Universities to charge between £0 and £3000 for each course
– Minimum £3,000 for poorest students – 30% to receive full grant, low earning families will have means testing for grants
– Deferred payment – Upfront fees to be abolished for all students
– Student loan to cover some living costs – loan increases for all students to help cover the basic cost of university life
– Repayments linked to earnings – paid through tax system, beginning when graduate earns over £15,000
– 25 year cap on debt – all outstanding debts written off 25 years after graduation
– Loans, fees and living rolled together – graduate pays one conribution based on money earned, not money owed, all interest free
– Ringfenced money for universities – all money raised through fees will go to university, estimated at an extra £1 billion
Loading ...