The Triennial review of grants announeed by the Government last month in no way meets the demands of the National Union of Students grants campaign. The main rate of grant was raised, but in real terms it remains below the 1962 level. Discrimination against married women is maintained. Discretionary awards are retained. And the means test is not abolished.
The winning of a 25% increase in the basic level, inadequate as it is, represents a partial victory. But those students in colleges who took direct action to gain real concessions won price freezes, blocked rent rises, and received subsidies for accommodation, books and creche facilities a much more subHarold Wilson recognised these facts when commenting upon the award. He stated that one reason for the E120 was the subsidies forced out of the college authorities by local direct action.
While the Labour Government may give concessions with its left hand, it takes them back with its tight. Asin the health service, so in education, the E180 million chopped been toplaced. Recently the Government announced a massive defermont at college building affecting teaching, housing, social and recreational facilities.
It is with those who like nurses and beachers, are struggling against Labour's poncies or mcalm and coucation or the cheap, that students should forge united These policies, implemented by Vice Chancellors and Principals (the Broad Left'y "triends"), are already biting. The authoribes now daim that with the grant increase they can put up prices and rents. At Sussex University they want to raise rents by £1.20 per week and prices by 12W3. Next term is bound to Rea Weekly: sou many students again homeless If the NUS is serious about defending must be planned and organised now.
Decisions bave to be takon at this Saturday's NUS conference, Students cannot wait, s Halford Hewitf, the last of the three -SLUGLES these demands, No redundancies of college workers Student facilities to match intake. Housing for all
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