The National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland has today responded to the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, published yesterday.
While welcoming investment in apprenticeships and the continued guarantee of free tuition for undergraduate home students, the union has expressed disappointment at the lack of measures to address student poverty.
The union said the First Minister’s failure to announce reforms or an uplift to student financial support is particularly concerning given the most recent government research into Scottish student finances found that most students are struggling financially, and students are using foodbanks at a higher rate than the general population.
On other cost of living measures, NUS Scotland raised concerns about the lack of action on housing and welcomed the £2 bus cap for students in the west of Scotland, while warning that students elsewhere, and those more reliant on train travel, will not benefit.
Commenting, NUS Scotland President Justine Pédussel said:
“There are measures to be welcomed in this Programme for Government. The Scottish Government is right to invest in apprenticeships and is right to protect free tuition for home students, making it easier for anyone to exercise their right to an education.”
“However, for a roadmap for Scotland’s next five years it is otherwise sadly uninspiring. The hidden cost of education is growing, and the money in students’ pockets is shrinking. John Swinney failed to announce any measures on reforming student financial support, despite the government’s own research showing that the average student is struggling and that students are turning to foodbanks at unprecedented rates.”
Similarly, students will be disappointed to hear no plan for implementing rent controls or bringing down the cost of overpriced student accommodation. The £2 bus cap in the west of Scotland is a welcome measure for students aged 22 and over, but too many will be left waiting for it to be rolled out elsewhere, while those relying on catching a train to class will still struggle to pay for their ticket.”
