Grants return
After a summer of speculation in the press and an election campaign where the issue of student fees came up repeatedly on doorsteps, the Labour government confirmed on Wednesday that there is to be a review of student maintenance funding. Whilst some in the cabinet still continue to push for the abolition of tuition fees, the restoration of grants looks to be the priority in encouraging applications to university and aiming for the government's target of 50% of young people entering higher education. Two schemes have been suggested, the first providing grants for all and the second going only to poorer students, with the funding for both coming from a so-called "graduate tax" payable when earnings reach a certain level after university.
In Oxford, where opposition to the current funding arrangements has been amongst the most enthusiastic in the country, the news was given a warm reception by OUSU President Ruth Hunt, who said "It's absolutely essential that the current method of student funding is reassessed. Oxford University Student Union welcomes the news from the government that they are considering reintroducing basic means tested grants. It is even more important now that the students of Oxford unite to demonstrate our opposition to student hardship.
Hunt commented that as even Oxford University had recognised the need to support less well-off students with the new bursary scheme, it was about time that the government followed suit.
OUSU are organising a demonstration on Sunday of 1st Week as part of their ongoing campaign for more equitable student funding, beginning at 2pm in Jowett Walk.
4th Oct 2001