EDUCATION/COUNCIL
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Student loan interest rate to leap by a third The price for education seems to be insanely high in the UK, especially after the Brexit vote. Recent stats reveal that the rise in UK's inflation, prompted by a decline in the value of the pound since June, will diversely affect students who will definitely be charged substantially more interest on their loans. This, despite several other consumers benefiting from record low interest rates. Student loan interest rates are tied to March's retail price inflation figure, published earlier this week. Currently, freshers and other students are charged 4.6 per cent, the March 2016 RPI figure of 1.6 per cent, plus 3 per cent, on their loans. However, from September, the figures will rise to 6.1 per cent, made up of the March 2017 figure of 3.1 per cent, plus 3 per cent. Consequently, current students and several other graduates will see the interest rate on their student loan jump to over 24 times the official Bank of England base rate. Those who took out their student loan on or after 1 September 2012, and who have now graduated, will from this autumn be charged between 3.1 per cent and 6.1 per cent,
depending on their income. An expert at money advice website Save the Student, Jake Butler said, “I was expecting an increase to student loan interest this year, but this is worse than expected. It really demonstrates that the interest on loans under the new system is far too high and should be reassessed.” The website however pointed out that those who started university after September 2012 do not start repaying their loan until they are earning over £21,000 a year. It added, “Unless you start off with a graduate salary of higher than £30,000, it's unlikely you will pay off your full loan and interest before it's wiped after 30 years anyway.” An individual who began university between 1998 and 2011 are currently charged an interest rate of 1.25 per cent, and will stay at this level in September. Those who began university before 1998 are currently charged 1.6 per cent, which will rise to 3.1 per cent.
Asian Voice | 22nd April 2017
Three Indians selected for Gates Scholarship at Cambridge Three Indians have been selected for the postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. Yaikhomba Mutum, Saloni Atal, and Akhila Denduluri were among the 6000 applications from all over the world. The study includes 90 scholars, including 35 from the US, the total representing 34 nationalities. The prestigious Gates
scholarships have been awarded to 50 women and 40 men, out of which, 41 students will pursue a Master's Degree, and 49 will pursue PhDs. Cochair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates said, “Gates Cambridge Scholars come from all over the world, but they have some important things in common:
£5.4m Croydon transport development slammed for delivering 'next to nothing'
Multi-million pound plans to redevelop the forefront of a south London train station have been criticised by residents for delivering "next to nothing". The unveiling of East Croydon’s bus shelters with new signposts, lighting and public seating marked the completion of a £5.4 million project by the council and Transport for London to improve the train station’s forefront. But some residents criticised the ren-
great leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others and an unparalleled passion for learning.” From the three Indians, Saloni will pursue PhD in psychology to explore innovative and culturally appropriate solutions to tackle the problem of gaps in access to mental healthcare in
India. Akhila will pursue PhD in Chemistry and attempt to develop biophysical tools to better understand and elucidate the protein chemistry and associated toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases. Yaikhomba will study PhD Biological Science at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit.
New £75 fines for littering from your car come into force
ovation, complaining the shelters look the same as before and do not solve traffic issues. The finished project was also unveiled a month later than planned, with only a single electronic display board installed at the bus shelters - the same as previously. Croydon council has defended the renovation as improving the environment for business and shops in the borough's main gateway.
Drivers face a stiff £75 for litter thrown out of their cars – even if it wasn’t them that chucked it. Tough new government measures to tackle litter louts would see car owners punished for the actions of their passengers. The power to fine owners of cars from which passengers have thrown litter are already in operation in London. Officials across the rest of the country must prove who in the car threw the rubbish. And anyone caught throwing rubbish on the streets could receive a fine of up to £150 – an increase of current levels of between £50 and £80 set by councils across the country. A default level of £75 will apply if the council does not specifically set its
own amount. Other proposals out for consultation include forcing fly-tippers to pick up other people’s litter as part of community service punishments. However, it is not just residents who will see changes in litter rules as councils will be banned from charging householders for the disposal of DIY household waste at local dumps. The move is set to infuriate local authorities who rely on the cash after Government cuts.
Gurudwaras in London and Punjabi community organizations with High Commission of India, inviteeveryone to
Non-Executive Director ¬DAYS¬PER¬MONTH¬s¬3ALARY¬a ¬PA Do you have Board experience in a large organisation? We are seeking candidates with a background in Business and Finance who, preferably, have held senior positions in large corporate organisations or similar. We expect you to share our values and to want to assist us in delivering quality services in an NHS organisation.
On Sunday 30th April 2017 - 1100-1600 hours
at SKLP Sports and Community Centre - India Gardens West End Road, Northolt Middlesex UB5 6RE
A celebration of the warmth and richness of Punjabi Culture!!! Come with your family and friends to indulg in a day-long festivity and rejoicing. Contact us: baisaki2017london@gmail.com Print Media Partners
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We would be particularly pleased to receive applications from candidates from a BME background, as part of our strategy to increase diversity at all levels of our organisation. We are an experienced provider of integrated services covering every aspect of physical and mental health, including sexual health.
With almost 7,000 staff, we provide healthcare across ten London Boroughs and four counties. We are committed to providing high quality locally focused services. You will be committing to three days per month to participate in Board and other Committee meetings, to visit our services and carry out such other duties as may be necessary. If you think you have the necessary skills and commitment to help shape the strategic development of the Trust we would be keen to hear from you. For Further details/informal discussion contact Professor Dorothy Griffiths, Chair on¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ or dorothygriffiths@nhs.net
For further information and to apply please go to: www.cnwl.nhs.uk/nedrecruitment Closing Date: Tuesday 2 May 2017 | Interview Date: Tuesday 30 May 2017
www.cnwl.nhs.uk CNWL is actively committed to improving staff’s working lives and aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We also positively encourage people who have experienced mental health problems to apply for any job within the Trust for which they meet the job specification.