TUC backs anti-tuition fee call

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'The trade union movement has today sent a stark warning to those vice-chancellors and politicians agitating for a rise in fee levels. The current policy of sentencing students to record levels of debt is in desperate need of a rethink - something we believe next year's fees review must address.
 
'We are delighted the TUC agrees that the current policy of sentencing students to record levels of debt is in desperate need of a rethink. The fact is, that despite record sums of money having been spent on widening participation, there has been little change in the proportion of students from the poorest backgrounds entering higher education.
 
'We look forward to next year's debate about how to create a fair higher education system that ensures access to our universities is based on students' ability to fulfil their potential, not on what or where they can afford to study.'
 
The full text of composite 14 passed unanimously at TUC Congress this morning.