As students return to the University of Suffolk next week, a major change in government policies on higher education threatens the future of many of the newer universities. The Chancellor is determined to reduce losses to the Exchequer on student loans (currently estimated at £10 billion pa and expected to top £20 billion in three years' time). Additionally, the government has promised publication of proposals for radical reform along the lines of the 2019 Auger Review - re-allocating funding to apprenticeships and further education and away from universities. Reducing tuition-fees, cutting "low-value" courses and increasing entry requirements are all likely according to various leaks from the Department for Education. The reforms are likely to be announced before the Chancellor's Spending Review on 27th October.
The University of Suffolk is the newest university in the country and, as a result, is particularly vulnerable. Reforms will probably mean fewer, if any, courses in subjects such as film, dance, politics, history and photography. Ipswich's MP, Tom Hunt, like many Tories, is not a supporter of non-Russell Group (older, red-brick) universities and has said recently that "...far too many people are going to universities, often to questionable universities and doing questionable degrees." Presumably, this does not include the two universities he attended (Manchester and Oxford) or the Politics and History degree he took. He also believes that on graduating, students "invariably seem to be, a good chunk anyway, radical Marxists."
The Liberal Democrats will oppose restrictions on access to higher education. Newer universities, such as Suffolk, have brought in many students who would not have attended higher education in the past and this must not be lost. We also believe degrees in humanities are essential to the economy and wellbeing of this country.
We would love to get your feedback on our latest St.Margaret's Focus "On the Verge" concerning the management of urban green space, but also our items on the Ipswich Garden Suburb, Air Quality, Residents parking Permits, Electric vehicle charging and e-scooters / pedestrian safety. We want to find ways to use our Web-Page to develop our ASKING LISTENING LEARNING SERVICE to make Local Democracy work for the people we serve and represent.
Being involved in politics should be fun and rewarding. But it can be stressful and at times any of us may need to turn to others for help or support.
Often that support can best come from colleagues in your local party or a party body you are active in. But sometimes help is needed elsewhere, and this piece sets out the main places to turn.
Congratulations to Sarah Green on winning the Chesham and Amersham by-election with over 50% of the vote.
Thank you to all our members who helped in the campaign.
In her victory speech Sarah thanked voters and said she was "humbled by the faith you have placed in me".
"Whether I won your vote or not, I will be a strong and independent voice for all of our communities, I will always put you first and continue to listen to your views while holding this government to account," she said.
Cllr. Inga Lockington says: "Today is Clean Air Day and it is good to know that there have been many activities in our school across the UK including Ipswich where pupils have learned the importance of looking after the air we breath. I know the Borough Environmental Officers offered to visit schools and there were lots of on-Line learning available for schools."
As a local party, we are planning so that, we can gain more seats in Ipswich and through this, to make a difference. To do so however we do need to increase our income to fund the extra expenditure this will require. We are forming a fundraising and Social events team to help plan this and over coming months, there will be a number of opportunities to help make a difference.
One big issue in Holywells is lack of parking for Holywells park and the subsequent impact on the Cliff Lane and Rivers area.
Paul Daley, our Candidate in the ward has looked at this issue and has the following to say about it :-
There is much parking on grass verges which both spoils the verge and causes inconvenience for residents . Part of the problem has been caused by making the Holywells park Car park only for disabled and for permit holders such as the Bowls club. Holywells is a popular park which can be one of the jewels in Ipswich crown, but it needs to reflect that people need to get there. There is added pressure on parking due to the popular line of shops on Cliff Lane which also has inadequate spaces
