Government to slash HE funding

Gordon Brown has been accused of putting the future of many universities in jeopardy after announcing plans to reduce funding by £600m during 2010-2013.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests university funding could be cut by up to 12% to meet the target of halving national debt by 2013. This would total a £2.5 billion reduction of funds. The funding crisis may be softened if demands to raise tuition fees from £3,225 to £5,000 a year are accepted. However, commentators warn this will result in university no longer being accessible to all.

It yet remains unclear what impact the funding cuts will have on Warwick University. Peter Dunn, Head of Communications, told the Boar that even though the cuts for the education sector as a whole had been made public, it would take until March to find out how each individual university will be affected. A 5 per cent cut already took place at Warwick earlier in 2009.

Education officer, Sumaiya Khaku, said, “[The new measures] come at a very difficult time for the University,” Khaku maintained that the SU “plans to support students that would be affected in any way possible.” She concluded, “I would encourage students to talk to their department, or myself, if they are concerned.”

The library was also asked to make a saving; they maintain they are trying their best to ensure that this will not impact greatly on students. A third year Philosophy student said, “Trying to meet ends meet is hard enough as it is. If the cuts take place, not only will the quality of services provided go down, but their cost will probably increase.”

However, Oliver Longworth, another third year Philosophy Student, said, “This is obviously very worrying for all students, although hopefully it won’t affect Warwick as much as other universities, considering it’s relatively self-sufficient”

Vice-Chancellor Nigel Thrift commented on the government’s decision at the end of December, admitting that while the measure was expected, the size of the cuts came as a surprise. “A £553 million cut is a considerable blow to a sector that is central to economic recovery. Our Universities are world-leading institutions that generate new skills, innovations and technologies; are drivers of future economic growth, and produce new thinking and hard science that will be crucial to meeting global challenges such as climate change” he argued.

The Vice-Chancellor further expressed his concerns that upcoming regulatory initiatives will undermine the ability of universities across the country to make their own teaching and leadership decisions. “We believe that our Universities are valued as responsible and mature institutions whose role in the economy and the cultural life of the nation is well understood. This latest funding letter suggests that that is no longer a universal view.”

Students’ Union president Andrew Bradley said, “What the government proposes to do to higher education amounts to an act of vandalism. Come Red or Blue at the next general election, the future looks increasingly bleak,” he told the Boar.

“As a Students’ Union, we will continue to make the case for the invaluable contribution university education gives to individuals and to our society. Rest assured, as President I will fight these cuts and work tirelessly to ensure that student experience is not sold down the river.”

Steve Smith, President of Universities UK and representative of vice-chancellors, believes the cuts will force universities to reduce thousands of undergraduate courses and places they can offer, whilst additionally damaging their research capabilities.

Government officials claim that during a recession funding cuts are necessary. Peter Mandelson told the Guardian, “It is for universities themselves to identify where savings should be found, and they are as free as ever to focus on their research excellence and institutional strengths.

“The search for greater efficiencies should include more part-time courses and a greater range of one- or two-year degrees”. However, critics claim departing from the traditional three-year course will greatly reduce the quality of university provision.

Michael Arthur and Dr. Wendy Piatt, of the Russell Group, maintain university funding should enjoy the same protected status as that of healthcare and schools, as universities are beneficial to the economy.

They argue axing funding will exacerbate the economic downturn as the total contribution of higher education to the economy in 2007/8 was £33.4 billion – equivalent to 2.3% of GDP.

They also stress that since the gross output of universities exceeds that of either the pharmaceutical or the aerospace industry, cuts of this magnitude in overall funding will erode the sustainability of our research and “affect even the most outstanding universities.”

The Conservative party has suggested eradicating the national debt more rapidly. This could potentially mean far deeper cuts in university funding. David Willetts, the Conservative spokesman for universities, could not promise to reverse the cuts, and believes charitable donations to universities will allow institutions to continue offering many degree courses.

The UK’s reputation for providing top higher education makes it a popular destination for international students, who create an estimated £5.2 billion per year for universities and the economy. Britain ranks second as a world-class provider of university education, but the cuts put this seriously under threat.

Students at Warwick will have to wait another two months until it becomes clear how the new measures will affect their stay at university.