'Students didn't cause this crisis and they shouldn't have to pay for it': South Elmsall councillors write to universities over 'unfair' charges

Universities have been urged to refund students whose courses have been hit by Covid, amid claims they're being unfairly overcharged.
Most courses are now being taught virtually online.Most courses are now being taught virtually online.
Most courses are now being taught virtually online.

Wakefield councillors Michelle Collins, Steve Tulley and Lynne Whitehouse, who represent the South Elmsall and South Kirkby area, have written to Yorkshire universities to raise concerns.

The trio said they'd been contacted by constituents who are still being charged full fees for their accommodation and courses, despite them being unable to return to campus because of lockdown.

Most courses are now being taught virtually online.

Councillor Michelle Collins said the way students were still being expected to pay in full was "simply not fair".Councillor Michelle Collins said the way students were still being expected to pay in full was "simply not fair".
Councillor Michelle Collins said the way students were still being expected to pay in full was "simply not fair".
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In their letter, sent to universities across the region, the councillors said they'd been in touch with students who were "extremely worried" and in "financial hardship" because of the situation.

"These are debts students will carry for the next 20 years of their lives", the letter read.

"Many students in our area are from non-traditional and lower income backgrounds.

"We ask that you will consider reimbursing at least part of tuition fees paid, and waiving accommodation fees for students.

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"The fees are for accommodation that either they are not allowed to stay in, or were trapped in through no want and fault of their own. But due to the government decision that they could travel to university when we all knew it was not the right thing for them or for our communities or country."

The Department of Education said over the weekend that universities were expected to maintain quality academic standards throughout the pandemic.

Speaking to BBC News about the issue generally on Saturday, a DfE spokesperson said: "We understand this has been a very difficult time for students, which is why we have prioritised their education and wellbeing from the start of this pandemic."

They said that universities are responsible for setting their own fees, but that the "quality of tuition should not drop" if students are still being charged in full.

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Councillor Collins, who has represented South Elmsall and South Kirkby since 2012, added: “Students did not cause this crisis and they should not be made to pay for it. Learning is online, they are missing out on vital parts of university experience yet they're being charged full fees for both tuition and accommodation. It is simply not fair."

Local Democracy Reporting Service