The cost of UK education
The UK further education system is vital to the long-term success of the economy but the integration of EU education has opened the door to potential hidden costs for the UK taxpayer. Figures from the Students Loan Company show that of the 2240 EU students granted permission to study in the UK only 1580 have begun to repay their loans.
While further education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland incurs substantial fees the situation is different in Scotland where free education is available. At this moment in time the Student Loan Company believes there are some £3.8 million of debts outstanding from the EU visitors to the shores of the UK. The problem now is that while EU regulations allow the freedom of movement of EU citizens it is the UK taxpayer who will be required to foot the bill for these unpaid loans with little likelihood of them ever being repaid by the underlying students.
Not only does this impact upon the UK taxpayer but it increases the debt burden on the UK education system where funds will need to be redirected to cover the shortfall. While in theory the freedom of movement across EU borders for EU citizens sounds very good and very helpful, in practice many countries have been left with substantial costs and substantial debts which are often hidden from public view.
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