EDUCATION’S united front on staving off student loans could be short-lived.

While all members agree that the grant system can continue for now because the financial situation has changed, a split remains between three deputies who are fundamentally opposed to the scheme and the minister and deputy minister who believe it will still be needed if a £7m. budget cap is exceeded.

This opposition is highlighted in the department’s letter of comment on the requete, which is bringing the issue back to the States at the end of the month.

Signed by minister Carol Steere (pictured), it says ‘the board will be suggesting to the Treasury and Resources Department that the Higher and Advanced Education Budget remains ringfenced and that, for 2009 and subsequent years, the budget is subject to a maximum cash limit of £7m. maintained in real terms.’

Board member Matt Fallaize is leading the requete and says that he and fellow signatories and board members David De Lisle and Mike Collins do not agree with the cap.