Bridget Phillipson comments on the Government’s response to the Augar Review

Bridget Phillipson MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting on the Government’s response to the Augar Review, said

“The Tories are delivering another stealth tax for new graduates starting out on their working lives which will hit those on low incomes hardest.

“Instead of fixing the broken system these changes simply store up problems for the future. Ministers are kicking the can down the road while seeking to limit young people’s aspirations to study at university. Instead of focusing on supporting more students to succeed at school or widening access to university, the Government is slamming the door on opportunity.

“Parents and grandparents across this country are incredibly proud of their children who are working hard for degrees that the Government is now rubbishing. That is insulting.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• The Government is set to phase out RPI by 2030 (FT)
  
  
• The HEPI has found a majority of people want their children to go to university, including 65% of parents with children under 10, and 70% of parents with children 11-15. (HEPI)
  
  
• Using this IFS sheet, the graph attached illustrates the main impacts of the new system: