Universities UK has responded to comments made
today (25 May 2019) by Education Secretary Damian Hinds on university finances and challenges
currently facing the sector.
Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities
UK, said:
“It is
good to see the Education Secretary highlighting the importance of a
financially sustainable university system for students, staff and local
economies. Under this government an
overly restrictive visa regime has damaged international student recruitment,
teaching funding has not kept pace with inflation, the Treasury has hiked up
pension contributions for many universities and the sector is braced for
further funding challenges linked to Brexit.
“If
Theresa May’s review of post-18 education recommends a cut in tuition fees, the
funding gap must be made up in full by a government teaching grant. A funding
cut for universities would be a political choice which harms students, the
economy and communities that benefit from universities. Funding cuts could lead
to bigger class sizes, poorer facilities, labs and libraries, a worsening
student experience, job cuts and less money to support access and retention. It
could damage research, reduce the number of highly-skilled employees that
business needs and harm our international competitiveness.”
Notes
The
fees change in England in 2012 put university funding for teaching back on
a more sustainable footing, reversing many years of cuts. The increase in
the fee cap in England was largely a replacement for cuts in direct
government funding, including the removal of significant capital
investment.
UUK’s
briefing on the review of post-18 education and funding can be found here
Universities
UK is the collective voice of 136 universities in England, Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland. Its mission is to create the conditions for UK
universities to be the best in the world; maximising their positive impact
locally, nationally and globally. Universities UK acts on behalf of
universities, represented by their heads of institution. Visit: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk
