- ducation is a right, 10% each year over three -not a privilege! Or vears. When the govern. at least, It ought to be. ment have finished with it (in 1996) the full student But over fifteen years of Tory rule students have grant will be less than £1800 per year! less and less rights to a You can't live on it! You good education and a certainly can't buy books decent income. on it. And perhaps most We have seen the right importantly you can't buy to Income Support for time on it. A genuine full many of the the poorest time student is now a real students taken away. rarity. Most have one or We have seen the cost more part time jobs during of college-owned accom- term time on top of studymodation rise, a shortage ing. But working still of college-owned accom- doesn't provide an inmodation and more reli- come you can live on. ance oy students on Most students leave colprivate landlords. At the lege thousands of pounds same time Housing Benein col fit, the safety net against All of this makes going nomelessness tor the to college less and less poor, is no longer avail- attractive. But it isn't a able for students.
conspiracy to keep higher Grants have been fro- education for those with Loicoster students spoll wealthy and generous par- on leaving school it is not ents. There are more stu- surprising that school dents in higher education leavers are going to colthan ever. Given the slim lege rather than going on chances of getting a job the dole, even if the dole it out - our education is a right!
gives a better income!
Not only do students have to live on a pitifully low income, they are also getting a worse quality increased, without the extra funding needed to support university expansion. There are shortages of library books, larger lecture and seminar groups, lecturers are working harder, are more harassed and have less time for students as a result.
The government agenda isn't keeping the working class out of higher educalion. As long as we pay Tor our own dismal education we can go to university. The Labour Party has much the same idea with ineir proposals tor a graduate tax.
Ultimately, it is all about saving money on public expenditure wherever they can. The cuts affecting university students are motivated by the on school books, increasing class sizes and forcing down teacher wages. It is the same logic which is closing hospitals and offering nurses a 1% pay rise.
We want: • A grant we can live on, • Enough lecturers and books, • Affordable, suitable accommodation, because education is a right, not a privilege.
Get active! To contact Fight 01589 789104 minist and rovolutionary • last your