Dundee LibDems back minimum income guarantee for students (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

Dundee LibDems back minimum income guarantee for students

April 27, 2008 11:21 AM

Dundee LibDems back minimum income guarantee for students

Following a report by NUS Scotland, showing the financial hardship many students face, Dundee Liberal Democrats today (Sunday 27th April) backed calls by Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Jeremy Purvis MSP, for the Scottish Government to bring forward proposals for a minimum income guarantee for students

The study of over 2 000 students in Scotland shows that daily financial difficulties are impeding thousands of students' chances of academic success. More than a third of students have considered dropping out because of financial hardship. Two-thirds of those are non-traditional students, or students whose parents do not have degrees.

Mr Purvis said, "Students across Scotland are panicking that they may not be able to afford to complete their college and university courses.

"Liberal Democrats were instrumental in securing parliamentary approval for a minimum income guarantee for students. Regrettably, the Scottish Government has not made any progress since the measure was agreed."

Here in Dundee, LibDem City Councillor for Strathmartine Ward, Cllr Helen Dick, said, "NUS Scotland wants the government to provide a minimum income of £7,000 through a variety of grants, loans and bursaries, awarded via a fair and effective means testing system.

"The Scottish Parliament has already approved the principle of a minimum income guarantee for students. It is about time the SNP government acted to provide this."