Higher Education funding: Time for other parties to put their cards on the table

Scottish Conservatives are challenging the other parties to put their cards on the table when it comes to Higher Education funding.

Speaking before tomorrow's summit in Glasgow, Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said:

"Having consulted for several months with a range of key experts in the sector and having examined the paper published by the Universities Scotland Technical Group on Higher Education today, it looks likely that there needs to be at the very least 15% extra funding going into our universities – per year – than what the Scottish Government has agreed to invest in 2011/12.

"If we want to continue to widen access, to maintain our international excellence in academic teaching and research, and offer financial support to the poorest students, it is imperative that we make up the shortfall in Scottish Government funding. We must close the emerging funding gap between north and south of the border and it is clear that we need substantial additional funds to do this. Indeed, there are some who think the range of extra funding required might be a good deal higher than 15%.

"The Technical Group have rightly considered other options for closing the funding gap – increasing efficiencies and philanthropic giving are just two examples. However, what is clear from the Group's report is that whilst these options will provide some additional funding for the sector, they do not go anywhere near far enough. The case for a graduate contribution is now overwhelming.

"There are still some factors such as the flow of student applications and the fees set by English universities, which will remain unclear as we meet tomorrow, but that does not alter the basic minimum which is required if we want our universities to remain world class.

"Tomorrow's summit must result in some positive action by the Scottish Government. Mike Russell cannot continue to prevaricate and put off the difficult but necessary decisions until after the election.

"Scottish Conservatives have been clear about our proposals to introduce a graduate contribution. It is time the other parties put their cards on the table and outline their own ideas for guaranteeing the future of higher education. This issue must be treated with the importance it deserves."

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