Labour keeping Welsh voters in the dark over university fees
In response to Labour’s recent statement that they would not announce a clear university fee policy until after the May election, Amelia Womack, Wales Green Party prospective lead candidate South Wales Central list and Cardiff Central, and Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales said:
“The Labour approach to Welsh university funding is a shambles. They are refusing to admit likely increases to what Welsh students will have to pay until after the election, blaming the review on funding as a convenient way to keep voters in the dark.
However, we do know what they have in store for part-time provision and study provided through the
Welsh language – cuts cuts cuts. If their draft budget is approved then universities will see cuts of 31% or £41m, and these areas are very vulnerable”.
Labour has lost its way and we need clear answers on how they intend on investing in the next generation of students, whether they are full time, part time, younger, older, learning through English or through Welsh".
Notes:
- Amelia Womack is Wales Green Party prospective lead candidate South Wales Central list and Cardiff Central, and Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. Cardiff based and available for interviews.
- The Education and Skills budget for 16/17 is £1.74 billion. This is a 1.1% increase on 15/16. However within the overall Education and Skills budget, the money allocated to Higher Education has been cut - a £41 million reduction (32 per cent) for 16/17. This Higher Education budget line is the money that funds part-time, research, expensive subjects, Welsh language provision.
- Part time learners tend to be older, more like from poorer backgrounds, women, disabled. Their choice is often part time study, or no study.