The standardised charge of £150 was levied by the third level colleges as a contribution towards the cost of examinations, registration and student services. The charge was fixed at a maximum of £150 for the 1995-96 and 1996-97 academic years and set for review this year.
The universities have argued that the true cost of these charges would, on average, amount to £400 in the 1997-98 academic year and that, increasingly, the services have required subvention from other areas of their income. The need for improved student services has also been highlighted by both the universities and the technological sector. In the light of these arguments and the fact that the charge had been frozen since 1995, I accepted that the third level institutions could increase this charge to £250. Students who are eligible for maintenance grants under the means tested student support schemes do not have to pay this charge. In this regard, some 60 per cent of certificate and diploma students in the technological sector and 40 per cent of students in the university sector are eligible for maintenance grants.
At my request, the chairman of the Higher Education authority has reconvened the working group which was previously established to review and make recommendations on the implementation of the charge, to prepare a framework of good practice in relation to this charge with particular reference to the principles of transparency and accountability. I expect that this framework will be available by the end of November and in anticipation of the publication of the framework, I have requested all institutions to consult with students' unions on the application of funding for improved student services. I have also increased the level of student representation on this working group.
In the circumstances, I cannot accede to the Deputy's request.