News from Sheffield Labour

Cable’s graduate tax proposal hiding deep university cuts

Paul Blomfield MP has reacted to today’s announcement by Vince Cable that the coalition government will explore the option of a graduate tax to reform higher education funding. Mr Blomfield has long been a supporter of a graduate tax to replace tuition fees. But commenting on whether Vince Cable’s proposals would create a fairer university funding system, Mr Blomfield said that the devil will be in the details of the proposals.

Paul Blomfield said: “I have consistently argued for graduate tax because it offers a fairer funding system, but really the devil is going to be in the detail in what the government are proposing. For me there are three tests for any new funding system. Will it enable all students who can benefit to go to university? Will students be able to choose their university on the basis of ability, not cost? Will it provide our universities with the funding that they need to maintain the quality of teaching and research, and to compete internationally?

“Behind the graduate tax headlines, there are worrying signs of the Government’s real intentions. They are targeting universities for some of the deepest cuts, they are reducing places when demand is growing, and they are encouraging the development of private universities. As I outlined in my maiden speech, university funding will be one of the key issues for this Parliament and I will argue strongly for the role our universities play in transforming the opportunities for young people and contributing to our economic success.”

Other news from Sheffield Labour

• Station Bridge roundtable with Transport Ministers announced - 8 February 2012
• Paul Blomfield MP slams Tory "ambush" of Government Fair Access Director - 8 February 2012
• Angela Smith MP highlights economic problems faced by Barnsley - 7 February 2012