Sorry I have not updated much, but my brothers computer has been fucking up on me. I’ll be here more when I get back down the road. I’m writing this quickly to show you what the government may be giving me as a present:
Dear Student
NUS has reached a crucial part in its campaigning for a better deal for students with the announcement of the student funding review. Initially it looked like grants would return and that there would be a reduction in student contributions.
However, it now looks like commercial interest rates will be introduced for student loans which will actually lead to an increase in student debt on graduation because students will have to pay back huge amounts of interest on top of their loans.
On 25 October, a front page article in The Guardian contained leaked extracts of government plans. It stated that “Instead of being entitled to subsidised “soft” loans which incur virtually no interest, most students would need to borrow money at commercial rates to help pay their living costs”. At commercial interest rates a £10,000 loan becomes over £30,000 after just 10 years, we think this would have a devastating effect on students, many years after they have graduated.
We want as many students as possible to let the government know what they think. Write a short personal message to Tony Blair, (you can use the text below for guidance) and email it to [email protected]. We will pass it on for you.
Add as much personal information about your financial situation as you have time to. How much debt will you have on graduation? Do you have to work part time to support yourself? Are your family able to help financially? Is debt putting you off university? We need as many students as possible to voice their opposition to these proposals that will leave most students worse off than now. Please take a minute to write and send your email and help support the thousands who are being priced out of education.
We are planning to take part in a National Demonstration with other Students’ Unions from across the country. If anyone is interested please let me know, all are welcome. The Demonstration will take place in London on the 20th February 2002.
Thank you for your time
Kay Gibson
President
University of Teesside Students’ Union
PS Forward this message to parents, friends and family and urge them to join in.
“Dear Mr Blair
Students were really encouraged by your announcement of a funding review, but are worried by reports that no new investment is planned and that commercial rates on student loans are being considered.
Access to education should be determined by our ability, not by wealth. Please demonstrate your commitment to access to university by * introducing targeted maintenance grants * ending up-front tuition fees * extending Education Maintenance Allowances to all students in further education * allowing students to access the benefits system as a safety net.
Please make ending student hardship and widening access your New Year’s resolution for 2002 by investing more in funding for students.”
From Name: Institution: (You are more likely to get a reply if you
include your address.)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The “working class” political party wants to put you further in debt.
Will
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