5 Conclusions
74. The
announcement of the decision in September 2007 to withdraw institutional
funding for those studying for equivalent or lower qualifications
has the appearance of a decision taken in some haste, the full
effects of which and consequences for other policies such as the
need for re-skilling have not been fully examined. The matter
would have been better left until the independent review of variable
fees due in 2009. The
transitional arrangements and exemptions, while welcome, are inconsistent
and may well prove inadequate. As the Government has decided to
proceed with the changes to ELQ funding, the first annual review
of the exemptions provides an opportunity for a full review of
the scope and operation of the exemptions. We support the Government's
aim of encouraging more first-time students to enter higher education;
but without due analysis and evidence of the likely effectiveness
and impact of the change, we cannot support the decision to cut
funding to ELQ students in this way.
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