Minister claims students are burden on taxpayers
In a rather controversial statement, David Willetts, the Universities Minister, has suggested that students are a burden on UK taxpayers. While there has been no confirmation regarding the future funding of further education many believe this is a surefire sign that higher tuition fees are on the way. At a time when taxpayers are under pressure from all sides the UK government is looking at alternative arrangements for the funding of further education in the UK.
This is an issue which is ongoing from the former Labour government with the cost of education in the UK having ballooned over the last few years. Many universities and further education facilities believe that the current level of tuition fees is unsustainable and a complete overhaul of the system will be required in due course. However, we need to balance the need to address the funding issue with the need to educate the future work force of the UK.
If David Cameron increases tuition fees, as many expect him to do, he could very well play into the hands of the Labour Party which has already claimed he is looking to make further education "elitist". Yet again, David Cameron finds himself in a no-win situation!
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