Lib Dems Condemn University Places "Shambles"
September 9, 2009 9:41 PM
Originally published by Birmingham Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Birmingham Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrat Shadow Universities Secretary, Stephen Williams MP commented: "The irony is that while a record number of students have achieved the top grades, more young people than ever are going to be disappointed as they fail to get a place at university."
Liberal Democrat councillors have successfully proposed a motion condemning the Government's "poor-planning and decision-making" that left tens of thousands of young people disappointed in their efforts to gain university places this year. They also called on the Government to give frank commitments about its intentions for student finance and university charges in the future, so that students and institutions can make informed choices.
Councillor Jon Hunt, speaking at the Birmingham City Council meeting on 8 September 2009, said that the Government had left students and would-be students alike disappointed by first freezing the number of places and then announcing extra places without providing any additional funding. The "shambles" had ensured that universities' doors were closed to well-qualified applicants.
Seconding the motion, Councillor Dave Radcliffe emphasised that the Liberal Democrats were the only major party committed to scrapping tuition fees.
Liberal Democrat Shadow Universities Secretary, Stephen Williams MP commented: "The irony is that while a record number of students have achieved the top grades, more young people than ever are going to be disappointed as they fail to get a place at university."
"Ministers must accept the blame for making this situation far worse by failing to fund the number of extra places they originally promised."
"The continuing decline in Information Technology and Modern Languages is very worrying. We desperately need more youngsters to take these subjects if the UK is to remain competitive - particularly in the current economic climate."
The full text of the motion adopted by Birmingham City Council was:
"This Council regrets
1. the poor planning and knee-jerk decision-making that left tens of thousands of young people disappointed in their efforts to gain university places this year;
2. that the recession has hit young adults the hardest, leaving few options for those school leavers who cannot gain higher education places, and leading to a substantial reduction in graduate employment;
3. that this leaves many graduates unable to begin paying off the record levels of debts now accumulated by university students;
4. that despite the Prime Minister's stated commitment to social mobility, it is the poorest and most disadvantaged pupils who have struggled most to gain places in higher education.
The Council calls on the Government to end the practice of announcing higher education policy after general elections and to give frank commitments about its intentions for student finance and university charges so that students and institutions can make informed future plans, rather than being left in the dark.
Noting the difficulties facing young people, this Council urges the Executive to ensure the Connexions service and the Learning and Skills Council - and its successor bodies - do all they can to ensure young people make realistic choices about their careers, education and personal finance."
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