Finance plan takes shape

Scotland's independent committee of inquiry into student finance is set to reveal its consultation priorities at the beginning of August.

The 14-member committee held its first meeting last week, studying a detailed briefing paper on the present financial arrangements for Scottish students. It is to meet again on July 28, when it will finalise its initial consultation document.

Convenor Andrew Cubie said the committee would want to take oral evidence as well as written evidence and would travel to different areas of the country.

He said: "We are in full agreement that the consultation process needs to be extensive and allow for the holding of meetings throughout Scotland.

"We intend to proceed in an open manner and will publish papers when finally approved by the committee."

Mr Cubie also predicted that the committee would use its website to publish details of submissions.

The committee must report to the Scottish executive by the end of the calendar year on its review of tuition fees and financial support for Scottish students, with costed options for any changes to the current system.