The news that English universities’ teaching grants are set to be cut by another £100 million in the next academic year was bitter but not unexpected news for a university that has already seen the value of its allocation slashed by 80 per cent over the past six years.
Before this latest body blow, the news agenda had gone quiet for higher education. Since the publication of last autumn’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, which provided clarity, guidance and some hope, universities have seen and heard nothing more of substance from government despite a growing financial crisis in the sector.
In the same week last month, the Office for Students and the House of Commons Education Select Committee issued stark warnings over the financial stability and continued existence of universities. Yet the King’s Speech had nothing to say about higher education.
Clarity and action are critically needed, yet now universities are being hit by further bad news. Government investment in undergraduate teaching via the Strategic Priorities Grant, which is already below half the level that it costs universities, is set to be cut by more than 7 per cent.
Universities are the backbone of the UK’s infrastructure, driving innovation and national and regional growth. In our home borough of Lewisham, for instance, my institution Goldsmiths, University of London, contributes over £66 million to the local economy.
