States surplus is ‘no pot of gold’ for student funds

Friday 30th May 2008, 2:29PM BST.

A SURPLUS of £70m. in States finances should not mean the end of student loans, according to Treasury minister Charles Parkinson.

Education is expected to meet on Monday to decide whether it will take another report to the States on the introduction of student loans, or wait for a petition.

Behind the scenes, members are manoeuvring to make sure everything is in place for a requete from deputies if, as anticipated, the department decides not to act itself.

Those who want to revisit higher-education funding see the current financial picture as one of the reasons for the States to cover the anticipated £2.5m. annual shortfall in funding, instead of introducing loans, which would leave students heavily in debt.