Crime, Collectivism and Cooperatives.

It has been a good week at Liverpool Guild of Students. We're little over a week from the beginning of Welcome Week which means that we are planning a whole range of things in anticipation of the students coming back. It is all a bit too quiet over at Guild towers, and I can't wait to see everyone again. Not that it hasn't been nice to see our Postgraduate and some of our medical students filtering back this week.

The first thing that we've been working on this week is bike crime. It might not sound very important, or indeed very glamorous, but bike crime is the number one crime on our campus. From September up until Christmas there is a spike in bike crime across the University. Giving that we are a students' union committed to sustainability we don't want anybody to have any excuse not to travel in an environmentally friendly way. There is no bigger excuse than not cycling due to having lost your bike through theft. To reduce bike theft we have ordered 50 bike locks that we will be handing out in the weeks following Welcome Week to students who have particularly poor bike locks. Alongside this the security on campus will be installing new signs to deter thieves as well as remaining ever vigilant. It has cost us a bit of money to hand out the bike locks for free, but it will be money well spent if we can reduce bike theft significantly across campus.

Secondly, this week we have finalised plans for Liverpool Guild's very first food cooperative. The Guild is in a difficult place in selling retail, it is surrounded by retail outlets on every side. Where we differ from retailers is that our motivations are not drive by shareholders, they are driven by our student membership. We know that the cost of living is ever increasing, and that vegetables may often be one of the first food stuffs to be dropped from the shopping list when times are hard. Shortly after Welcome Week we will launch our food cooperative wherein we are looking at selling four vegetables all year round, with a rotating stock of three seasonal vegetables. As the cooperative expands we will be looking to sell vegetables that we grow in our roof garden, as well as developing the provision to order vegetables in advance. Green, cheap for students and supporting local business.

Finally, in what is the campaign I am most proud to have taken part in, in my time as an Officer the government has made a u-turn over their decision to cut Disabled Students' Allowance! Disabled Students' Allowance is funding that provides disabled students with specialist equipment and non-specialist support. After receiving testimonies from students throughout this campaign it quickly became apparent that this funding was the difference between attending, and not attending, University for some of our students. Students' unions lobbied the government to reverse this cut, and today it was announced that this cut has been postponed for at least a year. A remarkable win for students, and a testament to the power of students' unions when they work together.

This week has been a particularly good one. Next week is the final week before all of our students get back; I can't wait.

Why The Guild Makes Money

Last week I attended National Union of Students Services Convention. NUS Services is the commercial arm of the NUS. NUS Services resources students’ unions through three core services: purchasing, commercial development and infrastructure support. The idea of the NUS having any sort of commercial activity sits uncomfortably with some. Much like the Guild all of the money NUS generates is directly reinvested into the experience of the membership. The money generated is invested into things like offering students’ unions discounts on goods, providing staff support and ensuring the NUS remains financially viable in the long term future.

On the idea of the future of students’ unions one of the main areas of discussion was around operating franchises from within students’ unions. This is inviting private companies to run outlets such as; bars, coffee shops, retail spaces and food outlets. Evidence shows that students prefer spending money at franchises rather than in services ran by their students’ unions. One students’ union spoke at length how having a franchise generated hundreds of thousands of pounds they were able to directly reinvest into the student experience. Financial freedom from universities and colleges is one of the best ways students’ unions can ensure they can be an effective voice at lobbying their institution on behalf of students.

The higher education climate we currently operate in is subject to market conditions. We have seen other students’ unions receive a cut in their block grant when their institutions have had to make budget cuts. A commercially and financially successful students’ union is the best way to insulate ourselves from the reach our parent institution, and from the threats presented by an uncertain financial climate. Given that Liverpool Guild of Students is a charity all of our money is reinvested into improving the lives of students, it is imperative to our existence and your experience that the Guild remains profitable.

Of course this profit doesn’t need to solely come from franchising . University of Gloucester Students’ Union delivered a presentation on social enterprise schemes they ran. These are businesses ran by students wherein the profits are reinvested into the students’ union. They had found particular success in growing their own chilies which they made into a variety of products for sale. Other students’ unions have ran a whole range of social enterprises; from farming bees to make honey, to running property agencies.

 Liverpool Guild of Students operates under an ethical investment policy. Everything we do is in the best interest of our members and in the interest of securing the long-term future of our organisation. There are so many opportunities to be innovative in making the Guild financially successful whilst opening up business opportunities for students that will provide skills for later employment. The financial success of Liverpool Guild of Students allows us to do all the things we do for our members, this must be tempered against the fact that our primary aim is not to make money. As one delegate at the convention quipped ,‘If students’ unions were interested in just making money they would open a betting shop.’

What Can the Labour Party Offer Young People?

Tony Blair proclaimed in 1997 that his three main priorities in government were ‘education, education, education.’ This has not translated to an increase in votes from young people. Voter turnout between 1997 and 2005 amongst those aged 18-24 fell from an estimated 54.1% of this age range in 1997, down to 38.2% in 2005. By contrast, voter turnout amongst those who are aged over 65 has never fallen below 70% since 1964. As voters aged over 65 are more likely to vote for Conservative, Labour must build a consistent electoral base by widening their appeal to young voters.

These statistics become even more shocking when looking at recent EU elections where only 18% of young people voted. A recent report carried out by the European Youth Forum and International Institution for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, found that this lack of turnout was because young people felt ignored by politicians. Quite simply young people do not vote as politics and politicians do not seem relevant to them.

Labour are set to lower the voting age to sixteen if they are elected at the next election. This is an important first step in engaging young people with politics. There is an odd disconnect in that at 16 it is possible to pay taxes and join the army, yet young people are unable to take part in a democratic process that affects their daily life. If Labour are to align themselves as the party who are on the side of young people there can be no better start than allowing more young people to vote. Allowing more young people to vote will enable a shift in the policy of any party elected, and Labour must be ready for such a change.

If Labour are to extend the number of young people eligible to vote they must offer policy to engage them. It was correct to introduce compulsory citizenship classes – however, these are often poorly taught. If young people are to engage in politics, citizenship must be taught properly and extensively throughout the country. In terms of policy, with young people facing the spectre of both an increase in the cost of living and a lack of available full time work Labour must keep to its promise of a job guarantee. This should be coupled with a greater provision for training in the workplace. Labour should help small businesses provide additional training for young people they employ, to help their company to grow and to help young people ward off the prospect of returning to long term unemployment.

Labour need to look more fundamentally at what it can offer young people. Britain has an education system that is distinctly favoured toward the wealthiest in society. It may seem impossible in the current climate but Labour needs to offer hope to those who are not born in to wealth. Hope that they can achieve. Hope that there will be jobs for them to go to, hope that they will have access to free health care, hope that they will one day be able to own their own home, and hope more than anything, that after years of financial mismanagement ‘things can only get better’. Labour was the party that led the way on issues such as sure start centres to ensure young people could get the best start in life. If Labour is to be successful with young people it must make the fundamental changes that mean young people can succeed, whilst offering policies that make young people buy into the Labour Party.

Labour must ensure that as many young people as possible are eligible to vote in the next general election. This is the demographic that are most likely to vote Labour – and the demographic who are most ignored by politicians.

Is Graduate Tax going to be Ed Miliband's 'radical offer'

With Ed Miliband's promise of a 'radical offer' on tuition fees there is an ever increasing feeling that Labour will commit to a graduate tax. This follows Liam Byrne's suggestion that Labour's election manifesto could set out 'a long-term shift to a graduate tax.' The announcement that Labour will reduce tuition fees to £6,000 suggests tuition fees are going to be a real election issue.

Graduate tax was advocated by the National Union of Students as early as 2009. In offering a short-term fee reduction as well as a future of more progressive taxation policy Labour could position itself as the party on the side of students.

Whilst the details are still being ironed out a graduate tax would essentially be a tax on earnings of all university graduates. Labour would most probably adopt a model wherein the rate of tax is variable dependent on income. The initial benefit to students of this model is that education becomes free at the point of access. As many students are put off university by the prospect of large debts, a graduate tax could increase participation from students from poorer backgrounds. Furthermore, the current tuition fees system means that all graduates pay the same regardless of the actual cost of the deliver of their degree, or the benefit of their degree to them. Taxation on a progressive scale over a set period of time would mean repayment closer reflects the value of a degree to an individual.

The two key elements to make a graduate tax economically viable are; the period of repayment, and the percentage of income tax is levied at. The most economically sensible way of making a graduate tax viable would be to offer a fixed term repayment period (the NUS previously suggested twenty years) and an increasing tax scale dependent on earnings. This would make it possible to collect the same amount of revenue as tuition fees whilst ensuring that ability to pay is aligned with amount repaid. Under this system high earners would pay significantly more tax compared to those who earn less. A fixed payment period would alleviate the feeling of a debt so huge that it is inescapable and seem more manageable than a debt that is rarely paid off.

The proposal to reduce fees to £6,000 as an initial step should not be seen as back-pedalling from a graduate tax as some have suggested. With the news this week that the tax payer will subsidise roughly 45% of the student loan book under the £9,000 regime, the Labour Party has the opportunity to show itself to be both economically savvy and on the side of students by making this initial reduction. The gradual introduction of a graduate tax will position the Labour party as being brave enough to take on the challenge of funding Higher Education in a way that is both practical and fair. Whilst it may seem ideologically and practically difficult the introduction of a graduate tax further imbeds the idea that university is beneficial to society, not just the individuals who attend. Opening up the possibility for future Labour governments to advocate for universal taxation to fund university. A step that may seem inconceivable at the moment but is surely more progressive than raising tuition fees, something which Universities Minister David Willetts has refused to rule out.

Labour here has the chance to realign itself as being on the side of students. A graduate tax is the first step in making university education both more accessible and more economically sustainable. This can be Labour's first step in putting a flag in the ground for developing policy for a more progressive education policy. A policy that looks at, proper postgraduate funding, greater provision for scholarships and bursaries, and perhaps the greatest challenge of increasing access to students who would be less likely to attend university. Labour can revolutionise the way we view university education, this could be the first step in doing so.

Originally published at Labour List: http://labourlist.org/2014/04/is-a-graduate-tax-going-to-be-ed-milibands-radical-offer/

How Soon is Now?

We are now two days away from voting opening and six days away from knowing who will be your Guild President for next year.  Campaigning kicked off this week and here is a quick recap.

This week I have carried out 32 lecture shout outs.  From Accounting and Finance to Zoology I have been out telling students why they should vote for me their number one choice next week. The lack of booing provides steady reassurance that I am saying something right.

I know these are a bit time consuming at the start of a lecture but thank you for listening and sticking with me whilst I have been doing them.

On top of this I have been constructing my campaign banners. The first one was taken after one day but has now been returned (thank you!) and you can find it up by the Riley Building.



I have been interviewed by The Tab on topics such as, who is my favourite celebrity? What sets me apart from other candidates? And my best joke.  In the mean time you can find 30 seconds on what I want to do if I am elected President this year:



Finally, I have been taking to social media to try and keep you updated with what I have been up to and why I want to be elected your President

Voting opens two days from now.  I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.  Everyday I get to try to make conditions better for students and I can't think of a better job.

If you want a President with a track record of running successful campaigns.  If you want a President who will make the Guild's priorities, improved graduate employability, better housing conditions and the continuation of campaigns on mental health, teaching and learning and widening participation.  If you want a President who has experience of getting wins for students then vote James Coe #1 from Monday to Friday.

Do You Remember the First time?

So here we go again.  Almost one year later is time to start getting excited about the election season opening up.

This time last year I had very little idea of what the election was like, I had never done any public speaking, and I was downright nervous.  Other than still being nervous a lot has changed since that time.  This year as Deputy President of the Guild has been great.  From working on Mental Health, to widening participation, to trying to improve housing conditions no two days have been the same.  More than anything I have learnt so much and I am eager to continue working for students.

So that is why I have decided to run again.  In my manifesto I have promised to finish the stuff I have started, as one year is not long enough for any Guild Officer to achieve everything they want.  If re-elected I want to see through the work I have begun on mental health by ensuring that the our events on mental health are better than ever and staff training is of the highest quality possible.  I want to continue the work on widening participation to ensure that as many students from disadvantaged backgrounds as possible can get to University.  Moreover, I want to continue the work I have started on looking at the non-financial barriers you face at University to lobby for things such as; greater and more accessible University health support, ensuring the library investment includes more study space, and to continue to work with the gym in looking at cost and payment options.  As much as anything I want to use my experience to get the £14.25m building redevelopment finished so it is ready from the word go for students.

Voting opens on the 17th March.  I hope you vote James Coe #1.

Manifesto in Brief

My Manifesto in Brief:

Why do I want to stand?

To be the President who makes Liverpool Guild of Students the best Student’s Union in the country. With the £14.25m building redevelopment we are only limited by our ambition in what we can achieve. I want to be President for a Guild that is pioneering; this will be achieved through implementing democracy structures seen nowhere else in the country. I want to be the President that makes you more employable through real practical changes. I want to be the President who ensures housing across Liverpool is of much better standard for students.

At a time of transition for the Guild I genuinely believe experience in the role is key to next year being successful. Through our collective endeavour we have made great changes across the University. I want to continue to fight for the rights of students and continue to improve student’s time and education at the University of Liverpool

I will finish the job you elected me to do:

As Deputy President this year I have led on a number of areas that I want to continue with if elected President. I will ensure the final stages of the building are finished to the best possible standard. I will continue the work we have started on representation to make every single student voice heard. I will continue to work with the gym for greater access to students. I will continue to raise awareness on mental health issues. Finally, I will continue the fight for a University that puts the quality of teaching, and your learning experience first.

I will make students more employable:

Following on from my manifesto commitments last year I will ensure that we are the leading student’s union in the country in implementing the Higher Education Achievement Record. This is a certificate that records the work students do outside of the lecture theatre. From society work to volunteering and beyond. This award will be given alongside your degree and will demonstrate all the extracurricular stuff you do. Finally, I will be the President who brings a part-time job shop back to the Guild. This means that every student will have the chance to look for meaningful employment in Liverpool.

I will put steps in place to make LGoS the best student's union in the country:

I will introduce democracy structures that are unlike anywhere else in the country, that are more ambitious and more wide reaching than any other student’s union. I will ensure our new building is a thriving night time venue and has an amazing gig function. I will continue to lobby on the things you care about; the cost of the gym, access to the library, access to support service, learning and teaching quality, I.T provision and poor housing. LGoS can become the most representative, fun and politically engaged Students’ Union in the country. I am the candidate to deliver that.