UCU: Forthcoming government review of variable tuition fees

Motion

Motion text: Conference believes:
the primary aims of higher education are the provision of advanced learning and the pursuit of knowledge
higher education produces social as well as economic benefits for individuals and society
higher education should be based on a student's ability to benefit from their studies not on their ability to pay
tuition fees have undermined the widening participation agenda and led to the further marketisation of our sector.
Conference restates its principled opposition to tuition fees and will vigorously oppose any attempt to raise the fee cap.
Conference also calls for:
increased resources for higher education to be funded though progressive taxation
improved maintenance grants, including a national bursary scheme
equal treatment for part-time students and the re-establishment of public funding for all ELQ places
a proper independent review of funding, covering teaching, research and student support.