The UK government has now abolished ALL student grants: The Tory government has now officially scrapped all student grants, after passing the policy through parliament without a proper vote. The financial funding – which was put in place to help the poorest students through university – was put to a legislation committee on Friday last week, despite strong opposition. It was then passed without any vote or debate in the House of Commons. “(This is) not simply technical tinkering, but a major change by the government,” said Gordon Marsden, the shadow universities minister. “It has been done without consultation, with warning signs already being flagged up by the department’s own equality assessment and wholly without the detailed and proper parliamentary scrutiny such a step-change demands.” The move is set to affect over half a million students from low income families, who had previously been given grants of up to £3,387 – an amount that’s barely enough to cover rent in some cities. Instead, they will be offered an extension on their loans to cover any extra costs. Given that the average student is now expecting to walk away with a gargantuan £44,000 of debt, a further extension seems almost sociopathic. However, George Osbourne has insisted that the cuts were “vital” – adding that they are both “fair to students” and “fair to taxpayers”. “(There is a) basic unfairness in asking taxpayers to fund the grants of people who are likely to earn a lot more than them,” the chancellor explained. “(This is) vital to secure our long term economic future.” According to reports, he is also examining whether to abolish bursaries for student nurses and midwives. “This is a very frightening prospect for young people and their parents,” said Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, after hearing about the plans. “This is a typical Tory reaction, they don’t understand what it is like to struggle.” “We have worked to target support to the poorest students, removing that vital help will hurt those who need it most. Social mobility is a real priority and these changes threaten to further entrench inequality.” – words @dominiquesisley #dazedinstastory ? Jacob Chabeaux

dazedさん(@dazed)が投稿した動画 - 2016/01/18 20:52:32