Conference notes:

1. That the maximum age limit for financial support in the form of a Student Loan for students is 54.
2. That less than 1% full-time undergraduate students in UK higher education institutions are aged 50-plus, however the figure is 10 per cent among part time students.
3. In most higher education institutions, the number and proportion of undergraduates over 50 is fewer than two per cent.
4. Membership of university clubs and societies is reduced among mature students, suggesting that they are generally withdrawn from university life.
5. A working group set up by the government has recommended that the government either
6. Abolish the age limit on tuition loans but retain the limit for maintenance
7. Abolish the age limit on tuition loans but raise the limit for maintenance to pension age or 65
8. Or scrap the age limit altogether

Conference believes:

1. No-one should be enslaved by ignorance.
2. Every individuals right to develop their talents to the full.
3. Education is the process of acquiring knowledge and skills.
4. Access to Education should be open equally to all individuals, regardless of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, membership of the Traveller community, HIV status, or political affiliation.
5. The abolishment of Student grants, introduction of Tuition fees, and the forthcoming introduction of Top-Up Fees have all discouraged potential mature students.
6. The current age limit for student loan applications is one of the most blatant pieces of age discrimination in any area of public policy

Conference calls for:

1. The Maximum age limit for student loans to be abolished.
2. Student branches of LDYS to actively campaign on this policy on behalf of LDYS.
3. LDYS Student clubs and societies to hold events and activities that appeal to all LDYS members regardless of their gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, nationality or HIV status.
4. LDYS to support calls for a Mature Students Officer on the National Executive Committee of the National Union of Students.