ALTERNATIVES TO VARIABLE TOP UP FEES

Early day motion 7, tabled 26 November 2003 by Ian Gibson (Labour). Signed by 184 members.

That this House recognises the widespread concern about the effects variable tuition fees and the perception of debt may have on access to universities, particularly among students from families on modest or lower middle incomes; notes that there are alternative models of funding higher education, which the Department for Education and Skills has considered and which do not involve variable top-up fees; and calls on the Government, therefore, to publish full details of these alternatives to facilitate proper, informed debate and understanding before proceeding with legislation to reform the higher education funding system.

Signatures by party: Labour 143, Liberal Democrat 12, Labour/Co-operative 11, Scottish National Party 5, Plaid Cymru 4, DUP 3, UUP 2, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.