Taxing Times
"Not a university" was the conclusion of a committee set up by OUSU to investigate the state of college finances, whilst two more colleges announce rent rises well above the Van Noorden index, much to the disgust of their students. What has happened to Oxford's finances, and why must we, the students, always foot the bill?
The OUSU committee report encourages students to take the issue into their own hands; the demonstrations being organised in Wadham and St. Hugh's are a step in the right direction. But is it fair to blame the increasing cost of being a student on the University and its colleges? Much of the blame must lie with the present Labour Government, which has so far resisted pressure to reform the system; funding for all universities in England has decreased since Labour's 1997 promise to focus on "education, education, education", forcing institutions to explore alternative methods for attracting funding.
Two practicable solutions to the problem are beginning to emerge, spanning the political spectrum: the Government must increase funding to universities, possibly locating the extra capital in a graduate tax, or adopt a more Americanised system whereby the rich pay for their places and the poor subsist on generous scholarships. Although arguably detrimental to academic standards, this would leave colleges, such as the stricken Pembroke, free to reduce the financial burden on existing students by accepting cash for places.
Until legislation is passed to alleviate the current - and escalating - problem, rent rises and their consequent demonstrations will continue. Whatever the preferred option, decisive action must be taken. We cannot afford half-measures on this issue.
2nd May 2002