Students: ‘We can’t make ends meet like this’
Student organisations are critical of the Budget Memorandum that the Dutch government published on Budgey Day, 19 September. The government has forgotten about students, the National Students’ Union (LSVb) believes. The poverty measures announced would hardly help them. The LSVb considers the energy allowance of 400 euros for students “meagre” and the increase in rent allowance passes most students by: they are not eligible for it if they are younger than 23 or live in a non-self-contained room.
Moreover, next academic year, the temporary increase in the basic grant for those living away from home (164 euros per month) will end. LSVb president Elisa Weehuizen sums it up: “The basic grant is getting lower and the rents higher. The outcome of that sum is quite simple: we won’t make ends meet like this.”
The Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg (ISO) fears equality of opportunity is at stake. ISO president Demi Janssen calls on the political parties to cap ever-rising tuition fees and set an interest ceiling for student loans. “This way, Budget Day will still get a positive spin for students,” she said. (HOP/HC)
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