NUS Scotland responds to Scottish Government Draft Budget 2019/20

“Today’s budget failed to state how the Government intends to invest in and deliver a student support system based on fairness, parity and clarity, as set out in the independent review of student support. In the months ahead, the Government must set out a clear path detailing how it will move toward a system where every student receives vital financial support at a level that is tied to the real living wage as it rises. While the Government’s continued commitment to free tuition for most levels of study is welcome, NUS Scotland has long outlined that this alone is not enough – and that levels of student debt in Scotland are rising to record levels. We will work to ensure that increased investment in student support is focused on non-repayable bursary.

“Improving mental health services for students has long been a campaigning priority for NUS Scotland, and the Government’s recognition of the need to tackle the mental health crisis unfolding on Scotland’s campuses is welcome. NUS Scotland figures released earlier this year showed a 76 per cent rise in students trying to access counselling services, so the commitment to provide more counsellors in colleges and universities is much needed. We look forward to seeing more detail on these plans.”