Universities UK (UUK) responded today to the statement by Universities Minister David Willetts on higher education funding in England.

Professor Steve Smith, President of Universities UK, said: “We believe that this package of proposals represents the best available funding system for universities, given the £2.9bn cuts to the higher education budget announced in the Spending Review. UUK has made clear its opposition to the removal of so much public funding, but this package will bring in the resource needed to allow students to go to university regardless of their financial circumstances, provide financial sustainability for universities, and ensure that we can maintain the UK’s international competitiveness in terms of undergraduate education.

“Essentially, it allows universities to replace a large part of the lost state funding for teaching by way of graduate contributions. The proposals are a clear statement by government of its commitment to ensuring that universities are properly funded. As such, it is a good outcome for higher education, but more importantly, for the country since our future economic growth and prosperity is fundamentally linked to the level of funding for universities. Taken together with the government’s announcement on the protection of the science and research budget, this package represents a recognition of the central role of our universities in determining the future of the country.

“The proposals draw on the progressive elements in Lord Browne’s report, particularly in ensuring that no student has to pay tuition fees up front, the increased maintenance grants for poorer students, and for the first time, the introduction of financial support for part-time students. Without these proposals the only alternative would be a significant cut in student numbers or a deterioration in quality, both of which would be damaging to students, to the economy and to society.

“We will work with government on the proposed access conditions. We are confident that we will be able to respond to their call to build on the work all universities are already undertaking with regards to widening participation and fair access. The core problem remains that very small numbers of students from lower socio-economic groups achieve the grades needed to gain entry to the most selective courses and institutions. Therefore, while simple admissions targets will not work, we look forward to working with government to do all we can to improve access and widen participation.

“The proposals announced today represent major changes for future students and for universities. For many institutions the next few years will be very challenging, and Universities UK will be taking a leading role in monitoring the impact of the reforms, and ensuring that prospective students are not put off from attending university because of a lack of information about the costs and benefits of a university education.”

Notes

Universities UK’s response to Lord Browne’s review is available