Choices on tuition fees

Published: 17 December, 2010

• IN the aftermath of the “student” riots it is easy to be distracted by stories of the violent few, but we mustn’t forget what these changes are likely to mean in a borough such as Islington, where 45 per cent of young people live in poverty and even now 14 per cent of young people are classed as not in employment, education or training. 

The education maintenance allowance (EMA) is to be replaced with a complex and impractical alternative. The EMA has made a big difference to the level of educational participation and achievement of young people from poorer households. 

Combine this with the university tuition fees hike and the concept of social mobility has been dealt a serious blow. Many people will be priced out of going to university – and those who go will be saddled with huge debt. All this at a time when young people face increasing unemployment and anxiety about the future.

It is a myth to say we can’t afford to fund higher education. A more progressive policy would be a business education tax levied on the top four per cent of companies, which would generate enough annually to abolish tuition fees. 

We have choices; sadly, the Coalition has decided to saddle young people with tens of thousands of pounds of debt. 

This misguided policy is likely to have far-reaching consequences on the success of this borough and its young people.

CAROLINE ALLEN
Islington Green Party