Universiy of York Labour Club and local Labour Councillors have launched a petition condemning government plans to cut £200 Million of funding for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The petition calls upon Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, and Julian Sturdy, York Outer MP, to “reject any plans to reduce the amount of grant or other financial support available to those in Higher and Further Education.”
Caitlin O’Kelly, Chair of University of York Labour Cub said: “The proposed changes to the current student grant allocation is a huge concern, especially considering the rising cost of tuition, and living expenses.
“The University of York Labour Club is delighted to be working with local councillors to campaign against any cut in the student support budget, and to ask Julian Sturdy to take the interests of students at York into account when he votes on this issue.”
Hull Road ward councillor, Neil Barnes, commented: “Labour councillors in York are fully supportive of mixed local communities and recognise the positive contribution that students make to York’s economy.
“Following our motion back in December, we’re now pleased to team up with the University Labour Club in gathering the signatures of York students to reject any plans to reduce student support schemes.”
Over 500 people signed the petition, with official results released this week.