Tim Roca, Macclesfield’s first Labour MP, continues to advocate for change in the UK’s student loan system, which he believes is “broken.” Having protested against tuition fees as a student leader in the late 2000s, Roca’s position remains firm: the current system places unfair debt burdens on young people. The average student debt in 2022-23 is £45,600, and Roca is particularly critical of high interest rates on loans, calling them “commercial levels.”

As a former university administrator, Roca argues that while the UK higher education sector is “amazing,” the financial mechanism to support it is inadequate. He calls for a reevaluation of student loan policies and stresses the importance of intergenerational fairness. According to Roca, the current system not only burdens young people with debt but also places additional pressure on them to save for housing and other life expenses, compounding financial strain.

Roca also highlights broader issues in the higher education sector, where 40% of universities face budget shortfalls. He attributes these challenges to underfunding and restrictive immigration policies that have deterred international students, a crucial revenue stream for many universities. He believes that the system needs urgent reform to prevent further damage to the sector and ensure a fairer funding model.

Beyond education, Roca’s role as MP involves addressing issues related to special educational needs, school funding, and local governance. He is committed to pushing for better support for underfunded areas like Macclesfield, advocating for a review of the national funding formula to ensure equitable education funding. Additionally, he calls for more power and resources to be devolved to local authorities, which he argues have been underfunded for years despite growing responsibilities.

On the issue of child poverty, Roca has expressed openness to scrapping the two-child benefit cap if it proves effective in reducing poverty, making this a potential future policy option for the Labour government.

As the first Labour MP in Macclesfield’s history, Roca is determined to make his mark by focusing on public service and ensuring that constituents feel he is on their side. His surprise at winning by a substantial majority has only fueled his excitement and commitment to driving change both locally and nationally.