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The All-Party Parliamentary Group
for Students has today launched an inquiry to consider calls
for tuition fee adjustments and rent rebates as a result of the
impact of Covid-19 measures.
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Universities have worked extremely
hard to provide the best possible student experience, but the
third national lockdown has prompted growing calls for
financial compensation.
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The inquiry will take written
evidence from universities, students’ unions, accommodation
providers and other stakeholders, then discussing findings at a
roundtable event, before presenting recommendations to
Government and the HE sector by the end of January.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on
Students, a cross-party group of MPs and Peers, is launching a
short inquiry into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on
university students, with specific reference to student calls for
rebates in tuition and accommodation payments.
The inquiry will be led by APPG Chair
, with
Vice-Chairs Lord , and . The Parliamentarians aim to examine the case for
compensation, taking account of the widely varying experience
faced by both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and to
consider how it might be addressed.
In the call for evidence the APPG
says: “Universities have sought to maintain the best possible
learning experience for students through the difficult and
changing circumstances caused by the pandemic. However, there is
some feeling from students that the offer has fallen below their
expectations". The group adds that they are “deeply conscious of
the complexity of the issue and the very different ways in which
students have been affected - between universities, courses and
more”.
APPG Chair Paul Blomfield, MP for
Sheffield Central, comments:
“Students all over the country have
faced extraordinary challenges throughout the pandemic – from
huge changes to their learning, to being legally prevented from
accessing accommodation for which they are paying, and loss of
essential income as part-time jobs in sectors such as hospitality
and retail have ceased to exist.
“The impact has varied hugely between
courses, levels of study and universities, as well as regions and
nations. It’s vital that we hear from those directly affected -
students, universities and accommodation providers – and
recognise the very different experiences they have faced. I look
forward to working with colleagues across Parliament to consider
recommendations for Government and universities in addressing
student concerns.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
