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CRITICISMS INCREASE OVER SECOND DEGREE FUNDING CUTS

The Government suffered a fresh blow last week over its decision to cut funding for students wishing to study a second degree when it was severely criticized by MPs. The Commons Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee said the decision appeared to have been hasty. It said switching funding to those taking first degrees was premature.

The commission also cast doubt on government claims that cuts in second degree funding would lead to an increase in opportunities for first degree undergraduates. “We question the government’s case that switching funding from ELQ students would increase opportunities for first-time graduates,” the report said.

The commission was not the only organisation to criticize the funding cuts. Universities UK has also been highly critical. The Chief Executive of the group Diana Warwick said the report provided a welcome opportunity to look again at “the unintended consequences of this poorly considered policy decision”.
“We made clear to the government our concerns about the impact their decision might have on students in England who are looking to return to higher education to re-skill, particularly mature and part-time students,” she said.

Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell said the government would respond fully in due course. But he said it was right to give priority to students who had not studied for a first degree over those who already had one - and more than £200m would continue to support ELQ students. “We believe we have struck the right balance between creating opportunities for first-time students and those who need to return to study,” he said.

Only time will tell if the government will over-turn its decision in the face of increasing opposition.

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