13 June 2008
New figures released have revealed that student debt levels in Scotland have hit £2 billion in total.
The Student Loans Company noted that in one financial year, the amount given out to students in university stood at £212 million, reports the Herald.
Opponents of the Scottish National Party, which has in the past promised to limit the debts of those graduating in Scotland, argued that the statistics represent failure.
Education Spokesman at the Scottish Liberal Democrats Jeremy Purvis asserted that matters have apparently changed since the commitments were outlined.
"After a year in office they are now presiding over an increase in the very student debt that they had promised to write off," he commented.
Such views were given extra clarity by Murdo Fraser of the Conservatives, who stated that the numbers do not incorporate other debt such as personal loans and credit cards.
In other loans news, the Association of British Insurers claimed this week that payment protection insurance is vital, especially in harder economic times.