31.03.09
James Greenhalgh, MYP for Staffordshire, launches pound clouds over Parliament to symbolise student debt
New figures out today reveal that over a third (36%) of young people are choosing their university on financial grounds, with many opting for cheaper courses or choosing a local university so they can live at home during the recession.
The survey, conducted by the UK Youth Parliament, shows that almost two thirds (64%) say the recession will affect their ability to finance their time at university, with the majority citing parental job losses, restricted family incomes and difficulties in finding part time jobs as reasons. The figures are to be launched at the House of Commons tomorrow as part of a UK Youth Parliament report calling for the abolition of tuition fees.
James Greenhalgh, Member of Youth Parliament, 18 years old, commented,
“The current economic climate, coupled with crippling tuition fees is disastrous for the future of Higher Education. Students should feel able to choose the courses or universities that they are best suited to, not feel forced into opting for bargain bucket courses to save money.
“Many students and prospective students are going to struggle even more as a result of the recession. Just like everyone else, their incomes will be squeezed and things are going to be tough; support is being offered to pensioners, to business, the banks, to those struggling with mortgages – pretty much everyone. But not students.”
The survey also found that 95% of young people oppose the Government lifting the current cap on university tuition fees.
David Blunkett MP said,
"Whilst it's clear that no government is going to pull the financial plug on the university sector by simply abolishing fees, it would at this time of global financial downturn be unacceptable to lift the cap and have a free-for-all across universities.”
Click here for more information about the UK Youth Parliament's campaign on abolishing university tuition fees |
