Thursday 17-09-2020 - 10:33

Following approval by Executive Committee, an NUS referendum will be held in Michaelmas term 

On 15 September, the Executive Committee had a meeting where it decided to approve a paper from the VP Union Development, requesting a referendum on NUS affiliation. 

The proposal highlighted the high cost of affiliation through fees, unclear support for the NUS amongst the student body, and all-around lack of clarity on the value for money. Points were also raised regarding the clear lack of understanding amongst the student body for what the NUS is, what it offers, and the need for unbiased information being available to students. 

Atree Ghosh, VP Union Development said: "We are currently in a very tough financial situation, and while this referendum will not improve things for the present, it could make us more sustainable for the future. After having averaged over £30k in affiliation fees in previous years and over £20k this year alone, it is a high cost to be bogged down by the NUS’ own failings. This referendum will be an opportunity for students to get educated on what the NUS does for us, and then make a fresh start, whichever way the result goes."