NUS Wales President, Orla Tarn said:
“Whilst it is clear that times are difficult for all, the winter budget laid this week is disastrous for students across all levels. We are entering a very difficult position for education, and the proposals to uplift undergraduate student fees in the new year will undoubtedly add burden to students who are already struggling financially. We want to ensure that all students, no matter their background, feel like they can access further and higher education without financial fear. Research conducted by NUS Wales has shown that many students are living in poverty with almost three quarters having sought additional financial support during their studies and 16% having accessed food banks. With a third of students indicating they worry about finances all the time, and with the ongoing cost of living crisis, an increase in student fees on top of the disastrous cuts to education would undoubtedly shut out those from poorer backgrounds. I look forward to engaging with Welsh Government in the new year to represent students’ needs and ensure access to education for all remains a priority”.
