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University think-tank welcomes Tory student numbers pledge but warns that more may need to be done

The university think-tank, million+ has welcomed a pledge by the Conservatives that 10,000 additional student places would be provided in 2010 over and above those funded in 2009. Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show Conservative Leader, David Cameron MP said that a Conservative Government would fund 10,000 more students in 2010. The Conservative’s Universities spokesperson, David Willetts MP, has confirmed that the places will be funded by offering graduates a discount if their repay their loans early. Full details of the scheme are expected to be revealed by Mr Willetts at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester on Monday (5 October).

Pam Tatlow Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+ said ‘The recognition by the Conservatives that more university places are needed in 2010 is very welcome although the devil may be in the detail. It is particularly important that these 10,000 places are additional to all those funded this year and that the threat to fine universities and the Funding Council for any over-recruitment in 2009 is also removed.

Early discount repayment schemes are in operation in Australia where both full and part-time students are offered loans . These schemes benefit better-off graduates who can afford to pay off their loans early but this may be one way of adjusting the student support scheme to ensure the expansion of university places. However, no Party can afford to be complacent. There is still likely to be a mismatch between supply and demand in 2010 and the Conservatives also need to spell out how they will support part-time students and whether or not they will incentivise a market in fees.’

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  1. million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education. www.millionplus.ac.uk
  2. David Willetts MP and David Evenett, MP will address a million+ and NUS fringe meeting on Wednesday 7 October 2009 at 12.45 – 14.15 at the Dods Marquee, Manchester
  3. For more information please contact Pam Tatlow on 07795 645241 or Gemma Tumelty on 07900 277819 or 0207 7171655