Government should reduce the annual tuition fees paid by students throughout the pandemic to reflect the change in learning, Esther McVey has said.
The Tatton MP said students were not receiving the education they expected and Government had the power to change the pricing structure and set a maximum that can be currently charged.
Speaking in Parliament she called for action.
Ms McVey said: “The Government sets the maximum amount that universities can charge for tuition fees during normal times so therefore isn’t it the responsibility of Government to set the maximum amount that universities can charge during this Covid-19 period when students are not getting the education or the student experience they have paid for because of Government restrictions.”
Universities Minister Michelle Donalan said the situation will be kept under reviewed but failed to offer Ms McVey the assurances she wanted.
Ms Donalan said: “We will continue to monitor the situation; however, it is important to note that reducing tuition fees would not put money into students’ pockets here and now and 50 per cent of students don’t actually pay back their loaned amount. What is important is ensuring students get the quantity, the quality and the accessibility of tuition in these really difficult and challenging times.”
The call comes after months of lobbying from Ms McVey for Government and universities to act to help students and be clear on what they can expect from their courses, including online learning and face to face contact.
She added: “Young people are paying over £9,000 in annual fees and expect to get a full university experience. Covid has changed the way education was taught and people accepted things had to change but it is only right that that change is reflected in the fees being paid.”
