SALARY THRESHOLD FOR REPAYMENT OF STUDENT LOANS

Early day motion 871, tabled 24 February 2009 by Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 34 members.

That this House notes that university graduates are leaving full-time education with significant levels of debt incurred from student loans; further notes that recent graduates are entering the workplace bearing this burden of debt at a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty and declining employment prospects; recognises that in the current economic climate employers are reducing the number and availability of graduate-level employment positions, leaving graduates facing significant challenges in finding jobs and careers at levels commensurate with their skills and qualifications; and therefore urges the Government to assist newly-qualified graduates by raising the salary threshold at which repayments on student loans start to be collected from £15,000 to £18,000.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 7, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.