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05/09/2003
Blair argues case for top-up fees as ‘fairest’ option
Prime minister Tony Blair yesterday stood by his proposals to push through university top-up fees, as the alternatives would either unfairly penalise ordinary taxpayers or result in cuts in the number of university places.
Mr Blair said: “If we want to widen access to universities, if we want to make sure that the education people are getting at universities is top quality education, if we want to keep Britain with its university sector as one of our strengths, we have got to increase significantly the amount of funding going to universities”.
The prime minister asked if it was fair for a low-paid worker who had not gone to university to pay more taxes so that someone can go to university and get a good education that will allow them to earn more than a non-graduate.
On the alternatives, Mr Blair said Conservatives’ plans would mean that around 100,000 fewer people would go to university. This he said was unfair as universities were already claiming they were cash-strapped.
Mr Blair emphasised that the notion was to “balance the individual contribution and the state contribution”.
The proposed top-up fees, which could be in the region of £3,000, would be paid back at the end of the course.
(SP)
Mr Blair said: “If we want to widen access to universities, if we want to make sure that the education people are getting at universities is top quality education, if we want to keep Britain with its university sector as one of our strengths, we have got to increase significantly the amount of funding going to universities”.
The prime minister asked if it was fair for a low-paid worker who had not gone to university to pay more taxes so that someone can go to university and get a good education that will allow them to earn more than a non-graduate.
On the alternatives, Mr Blair said Conservatives’ plans would mean that around 100,000 fewer people would go to university. This he said was unfair as universities were already claiming they were cash-strapped.
Mr Blair emphasised that the notion was to “balance the individual contribution and the state contribution”.
The proposed top-up fees, which could be in the region of £3,000, would be paid back at the end of the course.
(SP)
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03 December 2003
Blair pledges to press ahead with 'top-up' fees
Prime Minister Tony Blair has reminded those who oppose the controversial 'top-up' fee proposals that there is no reverse gear at No 10, stating that he will press ahead with the reform.
Blair pledges to press ahead with 'top-up' fees
Prime Minister Tony Blair has reminded those who oppose the controversial 'top-up' fee proposals that there is no reverse gear at No 10, stating that he will press ahead with the reform.
13 May 2003
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
08 September 2011
Ulster Universities Seek Fee's Decision
There has been political reaction to news of a virtual impasse on setting the level of student fees and on university funding in Northern Ireland.
Ulster Universities Seek Fee's Decision
There has been political reaction to news of a virtual impasse on setting the level of student fees and on university funding in Northern Ireland.
21 June 2010
Higher Fees 'Threaten University Places'
The number of students going to university would drop dramatically if annual tuition fees were to rise to £7,000, according to the latest Ipsos MORI survey published today by the Sutton Trust.
Higher Fees 'Threaten University Places'
The number of students going to university would drop dramatically if annual tuition fees were to rise to £7,000, according to the latest Ipsos MORI survey published today by the Sutton Trust.
08 July 2009
Fees For 'Stay-at-home' Students May End
Ministers are considering axing tuition fees for some students who would not be claiming grants or loans, it has emerged. The 'no fee degrees' - in which students in England would not pay tuition fees - would be aimed at university students living at home with their parents, allowing them to avoid mounting debts.
Fees For 'Stay-at-home' Students May End
Ministers are considering axing tuition fees for some students who would not be claiming grants or loans, it has emerged. The 'no fee degrees' - in which students in England would not pay tuition fees - would be aimed at university students living at home with their parents, allowing them to avoid mounting debts.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A windy night with gales in the north, showers die back to western parts from the evening, leaving much of the night dry with clear spells. Blustery showers spread east again towards morning. Gales ease somewhat by dawn Minimum temperature 2 °C.
