Union General Meeting (31st Jan 2008)
COALITION 2010: KEEP THE CAP
Proposed by: Matt Burton
Seconded by: Colin Hindson, Tom Langrish, Tom Flynn, Joey Ellis, Matthew Pallas and Kate Evans
This union notes:
(i) The 2004 Higher Education Act created a policy that introduced a funding system allowing Higher Education Institutions (HEI) the right to charge up to £3,000 a year for any given undergraduate course for full-time home students.
(ii) The ‘cap’ on tuition fees currently prevents HEI from charging above £3,000 a year for undergraduate courses.
(iii) In 2008, the Government will begin a review process, which may involve the lifting of the £3,000 cap. A decision on this will be made in 2009 and any change is likely to be implemented in 2010.
(iv) Coalition 2010 is a united alliance of leading organisations within the education sector, including NUS, NUT and AUT, that are committed to keeping the £3,000 cap on top-up fees fur full-time undergraduate students in England.
(v) Coalition 2010 is also united in opposition to the creation of market forces in Higher Education and also opposed to a variable tuition fee.
(vi) The coalition will be supported by research on the extension of the market in education and testimonials from potential and current students to provide an evidence base for the Government to consider its review.
This union believes:
(i) Any further lifting of the cap will cause a further extension of the market in education that will leave students from lower income households and those from less traditional backgrounds at a disadvantage, which may act as a deterrent, preventing them from entering Higher Education.
(ii) United as a collective campaigning body, Coalition 2010 will be a strong and effective lobbying force, pressing the Government to keep the cap on fees.
(iii) The Government’s pledge to widen participation in education and to have 50% of 18-30 year olds in Higher Education by 2010 is contradicted by the prospect of ever increasing fees for students and the entrance of market forces into the education sector.
This union resolves:
(i) To pledge collective support as a Students’ Union to the Coalition 2010.
(ii) Campaign on campus to raise awareness of the coalition and encourage students to pledge their individual support.
(iii) Liaise with local and regional institutions to form a campaigning coalition in the local area to reflect how the new funding system and any lifting of the cap will affect potential students.
(iv) To mandate the President and Policy and Campaigns Officer to co-ordinate and execute a keep the cap campaign. To report on progress to Senate termly.
(v) To mandate the President to lobby the University management to keep the cap.
