Young Alliance demands debt help for students

4.18.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Aug 2006

Young Alliance Chair, Ian James Parsley

Young Alliance Chair Ian James Parsley has demanded that government act to help students combat massive debt problems. Cllr Parsley's comments follow the publication of a Natwest Bank survey revealing that graduate debt had risen by 5% from last year, to £13,252.

The North Down Councillor said: "The government must take action immediately to ensure that young people are not dissuaded from going to university by the thought of having massive debts by the time that they finish their course.

"Many graduates are falling into the poverty trap because of the lack of assistance from government in helping fund their qualifications."

Ian James Parsley concluded: "The spiralling debts which many graduates have will put a large number of young people off enrolling in third level education and will therefore act as a barrier for many young people who wish to go to university."

ENDS