Another Great British decision for the English

Richard the Lionheart · 16-02-2008, 11:01 AM

I am a graduate from the Open University. I finished my degree in 2006, and have just recently decided to undertake some more studying, albeit at a lower level than my previous studies. I have just read an email from the OU vice-chancellor and I submit it for your perusal. It is one of the most disgraceful decisions I have ever seen undertaken by this corrupt and totally shameless government. Education is one of the lynchpins of a modern democratic society and we are now being penalised by the British because we are English.

I have had enough of this kind of stuff inflicted on my nation by the British. It is this kind of issue that puts me firmly against the retention of the British state in any guise. How much longer are we going to have to put up with this?

Here is the text in full.

Message from the Vice-Chancellor on funding cuts announced by Government - update
Following my earlier correspondence I am sure you will be aware of the current Government debate on funding for equivalent or lower qualifications (ELQs) and the impact of this policy on The Open University and on OU students in England and Northern Ireland. [The policy does not affect students in Scotland or Wales.]

Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee Inquiry
I am writing now to let you know that the Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee has announced it is to conduct an inquiry into the Government’s decision. The inquiry will focus on the arguments for and against the Government’s decision, the timing of the decision and of the implementation of the change; the exemptions from the withdrawal of funding and the impact upon students and institutions.

The Committee has requested written evidence from interested organisations and individuals, including from students studying for ELQs, addressing these points by noon on Monday, 14 January 2008. The University is already working on an institutional response. Guidelines for the submission of evidence can be found at UK Parliament - ius 061207.

I would urge you either as an individual to make a submission, or if you are connected to particular sectors or representing particular groups that have an interest in the outcome of this matter to encourage partners and others to make a submission to the Committee.

Why do we need your support?
If you are a student studying for your first degree and you are paying your fees yourself, you may ask why you should support a campaign for government funding for those studying for a second degree or similar.

At the moment, each university in the UK receives a grant from Government that covers over two thirds of the costs of teaching. Tuition fees cover the rest. In addition, and separately, Government provides financial help to students on low incomes who are studying for their first degree, and to those with disabilities.

From 2008/09, the Government will stop funding English universities to teach ELQ students, apart from a few exceptions. As is already the case, financial support will not be available for ELQ students on low incomes. This effectively means that graduates who wish to continue their professional development at undergraduate level will in future have to meet the full costs of the course themselves. Government has withdrawn its support.

The OU will cease to receive funding for ELQ students resident in England and also (uniquely) in Northern Ireland. Government expects us to make up this lost funding by asking students and, more particularly, employers to contribute more. This will not be easy and we are currently considering whether and how it can be done.

We continue to believe that the Government’s decision to withdraw funding from ELQ students in England runs counter to their ambition to promote lifelong learning. We believe that Government should be prepared to make its contribution to the reskilling of the nation’s workforce and the development of a high skills economy. That is why we are fighting this decision. We are fortunate that we have considerable public support and powerful allies amongst our staff and students. We hope we can count on your continued and active support.

Hunter · 16-02-2008, 11:51 AM

How typical of this Labour Government, all behind education, but don't want to pay for it.

The sooner we get rid of them and get this country back on it's feet the better.

16-02-2008, 11:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
Richard the Lionheart Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 609 Party: Free England Party	Another Great British decision for the English I am a graduate from the Open University. I finished my degree in 2006, and have just recently decided to undertake some more studying, albeit at a lower level than my previous studies. I have just read an email from the OU vice-chancellor and I submit it for your perusal. It is one of the most disgraceful decisions I have ever seen undertaken by this corrupt and totally shameless government. Education is one of the lynchpins of a modern democratic society and we are now being penalised by the British because we are English. I have had enough of this kind of stuff inflicted on my nation by the British. It is this kind of issue that puts me firmly against the retention of the British state in any guise. How much longer are we going to have to put up with this? Here is the text in full. Message from the Vice-Chancellor on funding cuts announced by Government - update Following my earlier correspondence I am sure you will be aware of the current Government debate on funding for equivalent or lower qualifications (ELQs) and the impact of this policy on The Open University and on OU students in England and Northern Ireland. [The policy does not affect students in Scotland or Wales.] Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee Inquiry I am writing now to let you know that the Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee has announced it is to conduct an inquiry into the Government’s decision. The inquiry will focus on the arguments for and against the Government’s decision, the timing of the decision and of the implementation of the change; the exemptions from the withdrawal of funding and the impact upon students and institutions. The Committee has requested written evidence from interested organisations and individuals, including from students studying for ELQs, addressing these points by noon on Monday, 14 January 2008. The University is already working on an institutional response. Guidelines for the submission of evidence can be found at UK Parliament - ius 061207. I would urge you either as an individual to make a submission, or if you are connected to particular sectors or representing particular groups that have an interest in the outcome of this matter to encourage partners and others to make a submission to the Committee. Why do we need your support? If you are a student studying for your first degree and you are paying your fees yourself, you may ask why you should support a campaign for government funding for those studying for a second degree or similar. At the moment, each university in the UK receives a grant from Government that covers over two thirds of the costs of teaching. Tuition fees cover the rest. In addition, and separately, Government provides financial help to students on low incomes who are studying for their first degree, and to those with disabilities. From 2008/09, the Government will stop funding English universities to teach ELQ students, apart from a few exceptions. As is already the case, financial support will not be available for ELQ students on low incomes. This effectively means that graduates who wish to continue their professional development at undergraduate level will in future have to meet the full costs of the course themselves. Government has withdrawn its support. The OU will cease to receive funding for ELQ students resident in England and also (uniquely) in Northern Ireland. Government expects us to make up this lost funding by asking students and, more particularly, employers to contribute more. This will not be easy and we are currently considering whether and how it can be done. We continue to believe that the Government’s decision to withdraw funding from ELQ students in England runs counter to their ambition to promote lifelong learning. We believe that Government should be prepared to make its contribution to the reskilling of the nation’s workforce and the development of a high skills economy. That is why we are fighting this decision. We are fortunate that we have considerable public support and powerful allies amongst our staff and students. We hope we can count on your continued and active support. __________________ The Free England Party - England's Premier Nationalist Party www.freeengland.com .....Serious about England

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16-02-2008, 11:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
Hunter Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 820	How typical of this Labour Government, all behind education, but don't want to pay for it. The sooner we get rid of them and get this country back on it's feet the better.