Jersey States change university grant scheme

The change would apply to students applying for grants from 2013

Jersey students may have to pay more for university education after a change in the way grants are calculated.

The States voted in support of the Education Minister who argued the change would save £500,000 a year.

Previously for students whose parents separated, the grant was worked out based on the income of the parent the student lived with.

Deputy Patrick Ryan said the income of both partners in the student's home would now be taken into account.

He said it would stop parents from declaring one income even if they lived with a new partner.

Deputy Ryan said: "If a couple divorce, it is often the case that only one partner's income is taken into account - the partner with care and control of the student.

"This is a source of significant concern in Jersey, where 38% of parents sending their children to university notify the department that they are 'single parents' for the purposes of student finance.

"As a result they tend to obtain higher levels of States support than married couples who have two incomes."

Senator Lyndon Farnham said he was worried it could affect divorce settlements and maintenance payments.

He said: "I think the proposition, although well intentioned, could lead to difficulties and complications, many of which possibly remain unforeseen.

"I ask the minister and his department to look again at tightening up the existing system which rightly allows for the financial responsibility of education to remain with the natural parents at all times."

All students have to pay at least £1,500 towards their studies.

Students whose parents have a combined income of less than £26,750 will have the rest of their tuition fees covered, plus more than £5,000 for living costs.

Those from families with a combined income of more than £89,000 will have to pay for everything.