The Don’t Freeze Our Futures campaign, led by the National Union of Students (NUS), brought national attention to the growing concerns around the student loan system and its long-term impact on students and graduates. The campaign particularly affected those who took out student loans between 1 September 2012 and 31 July 2023 (those on Plan 2 loans), highlighting how current policies are placing increasing financial pressure on graduates.
As your Student Voice Leaders (SVLs), we were committed to ensuring that student experiences and concerns were represented as part of this national conversation.
What Was the Campaign About?
The campaign focused on key issues within the student loan system, including:
-
A system that is increasingly seen as unfair, unclear, and financially harmful for students, graduates, and their families
NUS called on the government to unfreeze repayment thresholds, reform interest rates, and introduce clearer and fairer loan terms.
What Did Your Students’ Union Do?
Submitting Evidence to the Treasury Select Committee
As part of the campaign, the Treasury Select Committee launched an inquiry into Student Loans and the Taxation of Graduates. This inquiry provided a crucial opportunity for student voices to be heard at a national policy level.
Your Student Voice Leaders coordinated a Students’ Union led response, drawing on:
We successfully submitted a set of responses and questions to the Treasury Select Committee, ensuring that student concerns were formally represented as part of the inquiry. We are currently waiting to see if our response will be published, but we are hopeful that our data backed & comprehensive response will be considered and represent the interests of DMU students.
How Were Students Involved?
Students and alumni were encouraged to contribute their experiences through a national survey, which gathered evidence directly from those affected by the student loan system. These lived experiences helped strengthen the case for reform and supported wider national campaigning efforts.
Why This Still Matters?
Although the submission deadline has now passed, the impact of student finance policy continues to shape students’ lives long after graduation. Evidence submitted to parliamentary inquiries informs recommendations to government and contributes to longer term policy change.
By taking part in this campaign, students helped ensure that:
What Happens Next?
The Treasury Select Committee will review the evidence submitted and publish recommendations to the government. NUS and Students’ Unions across the UK will continue to monitor developments and push for meaningful reform.
Your Student Voice Leaders remain committed to representing student interests locally and nationally, and to keeping students informed about issues that affect their futures.