'Desperation' spurs online loan revolt

A website urging graduates to refuse to repay their student loans in protest at the Government's student funding policy has been branded irresponsible by the Higher Education Minister.

The anonymous authors of www.stuffyourloans.co.uk say their online campaign for a mass movement of non-repayment was launched "in sheer desperation".

Sidestepping the recent government move to reintroduce maintenance grants for students from next year, the site says: "Some of those who voted for the abolition of grants and the introduction of tuition fees and then top-up fees went to university.

"Those politicians got grants and didn't have to pay any fees. It is the ultimate hypocrisy."

The site quotes a number of media articles that highlight the problem of student debt, ranging from a student union report saying that newly qualified doctors start their careers with debts of more than £45,000 to a feature in Glamour magazine titled "Why college girls become call girls".

The website, titled "we wont [sic] pay your loans back", suggests a number of activities to draw attention to mounting student debt, including writing to MPs and even boycotting higher education completely.

It is unclear who is behind the site but its key message is: "If you are already a student, once you have graduated then consider refusing to pay back your student loans." It goes on: "We would not advocate non-payment of your tuition fees as your universities could potentially exclude you for this. Once you have your degree then we ask that you consider a refusal to repay your loans.

"Your universities cannot do anything at this point. They cannot take your qualifications of you [sic] after you have graduated."

It adds the disclaimer: "Nobody is forcing anyone who reads this website to take up any of the actions we have put on it. Anyone who does so takes these actions under their own free will. Therefore we will not accept responsibility for any negative effect or repercussions any of the above actions may have on you."

Bill Rammell, the Higher Education Minister, said: "It is unfortunate and irresponsible that individuals have set up this site and we advise people to go to trusted sites such as our own for accurate information. Grants don't need to be paid back but where students do take out loans they will need to pay them back - the rate of interest is in effect zero and, under the new system, graduates repay their loans only once they have finished studying and are earning at least £15,000."

The Student Loans Company pointed out that anyone defaulting on payments would face legal sanctions.