I spoke to Daniel on the News show on BurnFM today (hopefully I'll be able to upload a podcast of the show soon) and alongside other topics we discussed recent Government announcements (more info here) to significantly cut funding for Higher Education over the next years.
One underlying question we discussed was why Higher Education budgets seem to be hit harder by current spending cuts than other areas of the public sector. You may call me cynical but I wholeheartedly believe that elections in this country are not won on education issues. The best way to combat Government cutting university budgets is to ensure that university funding is a salient political issue. In the past student voices have been drowned out when it comes to election time. We can change this! Students make up 15% of the electorate and student votes can swing constituencies (as we witnessed in 2005). NUS developed a pledge earlier this year calling upon parliamentary candidates to 'come clean on fees' and clearly state where they stand on the tuition fees issue.
The Guild will, in the run-up to the General Election, be encouraging students to register to vote (more info) and will be supporting NUS' 'Vote for Students' campaign. On www.voteforstudents.co.uk students are able to pledge to support parliamentary candidates who are opposed to higher tuition fees and when the election comes around they will be told which candidates support their view and which do not. This time round students will vote and they will send the message that education is an issue on which elections can be won (and lost!).
Prospective Parliamentary candidates be aware: Edgbaston and Selly Oak are constituencies are home to thousands of students! They are students and they will vote for students!
One underlying question we discussed was why Higher Education budgets seem to be hit harder by current spending cuts than other areas of the public sector. You may call me cynical but I wholeheartedly believe that elections in this country are not won on education issues. The best way to combat Government cutting university budgets is to ensure that university funding is a salient political issue. In the past student voices have been drowned out when it comes to election time. We can change this! Students make up 15% of the electorate and student votes can swing constituencies (as we witnessed in 2005). NUS developed a pledge earlier this year calling upon parliamentary candidates to 'come clean on fees' and clearly state where they stand on the tuition fees issue.
The Guild will, in the run-up to the General Election, be encouraging students to register to vote (more info) and will be supporting NUS' 'Vote for Students' campaign. On www.voteforstudents.co.uk students are able to pledge to support parliamentary candidates who are opposed to higher tuition fees and when the election comes around they will be told which candidates support their view and which do not. This time round students will vote and they will send the message that education is an issue on which elections can be won (and lost!).
Prospective Parliamentary candidates be aware: Edgbaston and Selly Oak are constituencies are home to thousands of students! They are students and they will vote for students!
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