The chance to review the system, but more importantly to articulate how higher education could be funded in a different way is crucial.

NUS has been consistent in its criticism of the current funding system; a failed market which has seen soaring levels of debt for students, a proliferation of a consumer culture amongst students, inadequate support for part-time students, an inconsistent allocation of bursaries and more pressure than ever to take on a paid job in addition to studying to cover basic living costs. As most of you will be aware, in September 2008 we published a detailed critique of the current system Broke & Broken

Following the launch of Broke & Broken, we conducted an extensive consultation to encourage students and Student Unions to give us their thoughts and priorities of what an alternative funding system should look like, and help to form the start of a dialogue across the membership leading ultimately to our submission to the review. We will be publishing the principals which will underpin the proposed alternative, based on the feedback we received in the next fortnight.

Throughout the year, Student Unions have been busy engaging students on the issue – but I can never stress enough how much more we can all do. A prime opportunity to really help make fees an issue for politicians, is to take part in the National Lobby of Parliament that NUS has arranged for Wednesday 18 March.

We are delighted to be able to announce that the Lobby will include an address from David Blunkett. But we need you to arrange appointments with your own MPs.

e: aaron.porter@nus.org.uk

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