Press Release: No new funding for ‘new universities’
Responding to John Denham’s announcement on new Higher Education Centres.
Shadow Innovation, Universities and Skills Secretary, David Willetts said:
“We want to see universities spread out more widely across the country, but the Government’s announcement does not stand up to close scrutiny. And, as on other important issues, it has been made without consulting universities beforehand.
“Ministers are not promising new universities but new Higher Education Centres and the funding is not new money. It was included in the Comprehensive Spending Review last year.
He added:
“This announcement comes just as ministers are slashing £100m from second chance education. That cut is damaging places like the Open University which have been at the forefront of widening access.
“It is incoherent for ministers to commit to new Higher Education Centres while cutting money from part-time students and adult learners - particularly when neither decision has been discussed with the sector.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. The Government have said that the £150 million already set aside for the Hefce strategic development fund could be used to fund 20 new Higher Education Centres. (DIUS press release, 3 March 2008) This announcement could provide £7.5m to each new centre, whereas the average cost of a new Academy school is £25m to £30m. (Hansard, 14 Dec 2006 col.1378W)
2. There was no specific prior consultation with the HE sector about this announcement. This means universities have had no opportunity to express their views about the impact of such new provision on current supply routes to higher education.
3. In September 2007, without any prior consultation, the Government announced a cut of £100m for students on courses that are equivalent to or lower than qualifications they already hold (ELQs) (www.hefce.ac.uk/news/hefce/2007/HEFCE_letterELQ.pdf)