1. 2004 HE Act created a policy which introduced a funding system that will allow institutions to charge a variable fee, which was capped at £3,000 a year for any given undergraduate course for full-time home students.

2. Both NUS and LUSU opposed the introduction. of Top Up Fees

3. Average student debt increased from £2,212 in 1992 to £13,501 in 2005 and is predicted to reach £20,000 for entrants in 2006.

4. Census statistics from the registry show some key trends including Decrease in the overall number of students registered at Lancaster

5. Not enough information is known about the impact of tuition fees.

This Court further notes;

1. The membership of court is diverse and made up of members who hold interest in the University and local area.

2. LUSU has recently launched a successful campaign against the removal of the cap on Top up Fees and the University believes this proactive approach to defending our education is premature.

3. HEPI has recently stated that that it believes the cap should be removed.

4. The official review of Higher Education funding is set to start in 2008

This Court believes;

1. That Lancaster University should actively engage with the changing nature of Higher Education funding

2. That Lancaster University should actively engage with members of court to draw on their knowledge and experiences of the impact of fees on our region.

This Court resolves

1. To form a working party to investigate the impact of tuition fees on the university and surrounding area.

2. This working party should report back to the annual meeting of court 2008

Proposed; Sooz Palmer, LUSU President 2006/7

Seconded; Becky Heard, LUSU Education and Welfare officer 2006/7