Smith votes to scrap Graduate Endowment

28/2/08

Margaret Smith MSP joined a majority of MSPs in voting for the Abolition of the Graduate Endowment in Parliament today. The Edinburgh West MSP had earlier attended a rally outside Parliament with students from across Scotland calling for the abolition of the £2,289 fee Scots students are currently required to pay upon completing a degree.

Commenting, Mrs Smith said:

“I am delighted that a majority of MSPs voted to scrap this payment, and particularly glad that a majority also supported the amendment from my colleague Jeremy Purvis MSP calling on Ministers to consider wider options to improve financial support for students, including a minimum income guarantee.

“My colleagues and I have worked constructively with the Government to ensure the success of this Bill and the abolition of the Graduate Endowment will reduce the debts of thousands of students and widen access to higher education to those from poorer backgrounds. The minimum income guarantee we are also calling for would make huge progress towards alleviating hardship for students.”