Smith: We need action now on higher education funding

The UK Government has announced plans to increase tuition fees in England and Wales to £6,000 a year, with a further rise if universities ensure access for poorer students.

Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said:

"It was clearly a tough decision, but the UK Government has today provided a sustainable way forward for universities in England and Wales. The proposed new structure will provide more support for those from poorer backgrounds through increases to the student maintenance grant and the creation of a new £150m National Scholarship Programme.

"These plans ensure that money will follow the choices of students, and that universities south of the border can rely on the necessary investment to maintain their international reputation for educational and research excellence. As David Willets said today, in return for putting university finances on a sustainable footing with extra freedoms and less bureaucracy, there will be greater choice for students with a stronger focus on high quality teaching.

"This announcement puts even more pressure on the SNP Government. It has been slow to act and devoid of any ideas of how it will ensure the financial future of universities and students in Scotland against a widening funding gap between England and Scotland.

"Scottish Conservatives put our cards on the table early on as we accept changes have to be made. Frankly, Mike Russell's Green Paper is too little too late and we need action now. Scottish problems require Scottish solutions but at least the UK Government is not dragging its feet - if only we could say the same about the Scottish Government."

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