Are Shepway's Students being Fazed by Fees?

A survey from NatWest has shown that 49% of this year's first year students admit that they would have been less likely to start university in 2006 because of top-up fees coming info effect. With students across Shepway awaiting A Level results, the Liberal Democrats are worried that many local young people could choose not to go onto further education due to the cost of top-up fees.

The Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed top-up tuition fees for students. Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Edward Davey MP said:

"This survey gives the first glimpse at the massive negative impact of fees that is just around the corner.

"The government has created a triple whammy where the number of students working is up, parental contributions are up and still graduate debt is up!

"There's a real danger that we could see university applications falling next year for the first time for years. The Liberal Democrats argue against tuition fees precisely because of the long-term financial problems they generate for graduates, their families and universities.

"I fear this is just the first of many indicators over the next 12 months that will confirm our worst fears about the negative impact of top-up fees."