YORK St John students’ union has reluctantly supported the university’s plans to raise yearly tuition fees to £8,500, writes Kate Liptrot.

Leigh Hankinson, the president of York St John Students’ Union, said plans to cut arts funding by 95 per cent would “really hit” the university and said “the Government hasn’t given the university much option but to charge higher than the £6,000 mark”.

The university confirmed this week that it had notified the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) that it intends to raise the fees to £8,500 for students joining in 2012.

Mr Hankinson said: “We acknowledge the university in its decision and recognise the detailed research and responsive consultation in coming to their conclusion.

“Furthermore, it is great to see that York St John is taking action to ensure widening participation is still at the forefront of their plans; by introducing fee waivers based on residual family income – I feel this is vital for attracting students who are thinking twice of coming to university due to financial circumstances.

“Over 75 per cent of students originate from the north east of England and 45 per cent are 21 years of age or over on entry. As a students’ union we hope that these new introductions do not affect potential students from applying to our vibrant university and reiterate that no student will pay tuition fees up front. Loans are available to cover tuition costs and students will only start to repay their loans after graduation and earning over £21,000 a year.”