Massive response to new Uni funding plans

Saturday 27 January 2018

A total of 3,374 responses were received as part of the consultation on Ministers' plans to fully fund higher education for students from households earning under £150,000 - with some saying that threshold was too high, and others worried taxes would have to go up to pay for it.

Many parents and students said they felt a university education was now possible, and 88% of respondents said they supported the proposition.

The consultation took place over a five-week period and included drop-in sessions. 64% of the responses received were from parents. 

As a result of the consultation, Ministers say they are now considering amendments to the original proposal. A report and proposition with a revised scheme will be lodged as soon as possible by the Education Minister on behalf of the Council of Ministers.

Education Minister Deputy Rod Bryans said: “It is essential that the island helps its young people realise their potential without putting unbearable financial pressure on the families who support them. This has been a valuable consultation and I would like to thank everyone who took part and gave us their views.” 

More details on the consultation will be published on Express on Monday. A report on the consultation responses is available here.