Government urged to listen to young people and think again on university fees

The union's general secretary, Sally Hunt, will offer her backing to a UK Youth Parliament's campaign for a fairer system of university funding.
 
Speaking at a debate organised by the UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons, UCU general secretary Sally Hunt, will say: 'The government has spoken at length about reconnecting with the public and we believe that fees is one area where it can do just that and reassure traditional supporters it still has the best interests of ordinary people at its heart. The government should be seeking ways to open up university education, not price people out of potentially life changing opportunities.
 
'The prime minister himself has said that parliament should seek to build stronger links with its youth counterpart. Hopefully taking the time to seek out the views of young people will convince him to look again at fees. Like you, I want to see an education system where everyone has the chance to study and fulfil their potential, to develop as human beings, and to contribute to a more rounded and inclusive society.'

'We won't create a fair system that rewards talent by increasing the financial burden on students.'
Sally Hunt
UCU general secretary

The UK Youth Parliament released a report this week that revealed many students are opting to stay living at home, with more than a third saying they will base their university choice on cost. The survey looked at the impact of the recession on choices in higher education and revealed many students fear they will not be able to find enough part-time work to try and ease the cost of living.
 
In her speech, Sally Hunt will criticise what she sees as the folly of putting up barriers to education when the country is in tough economic times. She will say: 'When we're in the midst of a deep recession, families will be looking to higher education to provide their children with the best possible start in life. And many middle and lower income families will be very angry when they realise that their children are already at a disadvantage compared to those from families who can afford to pay thousands of pounds a year in fees and other university costs.
 
'We won't create a fair system that rewards talent by increasing the financial burden on students. That is why UCU will challenge any attempt to increase the cap on university fees. And it's why we offer our full congratulations and support to the UK Youth Parliament with its campaign.'
 
The event is in the shadow cabinet meeting room in the Houses of Parliament and starts at 2pm. More on the UK Youth Parliament report can be found here