PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: NO TO TOP-UP FEES
 

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns has expressed his concerns about the findings of a new report by the Higher Education Policy Institute that shows tuition fees could more than double to £7,000 a year, and that students could be made to pay these fees before they start their courses.

Mr Burns said: “I am very concerned by the Higher Education Policy Institute’s findings which could lead to graduates accumulating mortgage-style debts that would take longer to pay off and put off even more people from less affluent backgrounds from applying to higher education.

“I am very much opposed to top-up fees. It is well established that one of the most straightforward ways of achieving upward social mobility is to get a first-rate education. Obtaining a third level education is a good way to get out of poverty.

“The deterrent effect of increased Government-organised student debt on young people from low-income backgrounds aspiring to go to university will not be beneficial for society as a whole.

“Lifting the cap on tuition fees could have a serious and detrimental impact on the numbers of young people applying to university and on the future life of graduates who face being burdened with mountainous debts for years to come.”

ENDS