Calls for Hartlepool students to have tuition fees reviewed - and for job seekers to get proper support

Coun Cameron Stokell and Coun Tom Cassidy wrote to the Government chiefs for education, and work and pensions respectively to raise awareness of issues linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coun Stokell, Rural West ward representative, is a student himself, studying Politics at Sheffield Hallam University.

The Conservative councillor’s letter to Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson calls for a look at how university students have been ‘potentially let down’ this academic year by their institutions due to Covid-19.

He is asking for a review of tuition fees for the academic year, in view of the reduced hours of education, a review of accommodation costs, and also a look at implementing a ‘no detriment policy’ to ensure no students are impacted by the turbulent year.

Coun Stokell said: “University students have been hit particularly hard this year, from weeks worth of lecturer strikes to universities closing from Covid-19.

“This letter describes the ways in which students have been affected during this academic year, especially in terms of taking on student debt for missed lectures and teaching time.

“I myself am a student, and alongside students across the country have experienced the financial burden of paying for a service we haven’t received. We hope the minister would look at the points raised and act upon them.”

He also praised all teachers for their hard work during the crisis in supporting students and parents by switching to remote learning ‘quickly and professionally’.

Meanwhile Coun Cassidy, Hart ward representative, wrote to Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey over making sure job seekers get the support needed.

The councillor, who joined the Conservative Party earlier this year, noted although measures have been put in place for the employed and self-employed, they need to ensure those currently seeking work are supported.

Therefore he is asking whether an extension can be found for the Jobseeker’s Allowance scheme, with payments currently limited to six months.

Coun Cassidy said: “Those on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) rely on this while searching for work.

“This is limited to six months and for anyone who is/was currently on Jobseeker’s during this crisis is going to find it extremely difficult to find work.

“The Government has gone to lengths to help the workers who are employed and self-employed but nothing was suggested to those currently seeking work and it’s those seeking work who are going to be hit hard, especially when Hartlepool has high unemployment figures compared to towns/cities down south.”

He also thanked the government for their efforts to date in supporting employers and employees through initiatives such as grants and the furlough scheme.