Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrat councillors in Haringey are calling for the borough’s MPs to oppose the Government proposal for University top-up fees confirmed in the Queen’s Speech on Wednesday. They are concerned that the plans will put off many school leavers and add to the burden of student debt of those that choose to attend.

The Lib Dems have highlighted figures from a survey recently released by Barclays Bank indicating that top-up fees would lead to student debts trebling, soaring over £30,000 by 2010. They believe that the size of potential debt would deter even more school leavers from going to University.

Lib Dem leader Ross Laird is concerned about the long-term impact top up fees could have on the local economy. With fewer school leavers attending university the skill level of the workforce is likely to decline, which would have a detrimental effect on the development of Haringey’s fragile economy.

Cllr Laird will be lobbying the Council as well as both local MPs to vote against any plans for top-up fees. Ross Laird comments:

“Charging people to go to University is very short-sighted of this Labour Government. The fear of debt is deterring many bright young people from attending; top-up fees will merely compound this problem.

“Creating an education system closed to all but a privileged elite would be disastrous to the long-term development of the national and local economy. We will be strongly urging local MPs not simply to object in the media but attend any vote and register their opposition to Labour’s destructive plans.”