UK universities are in crisis – and Labour has taken the first step towards saving them | Philip Augar
The government is making welcome moves to overhaul a sector in financial turmoil, but institutions face tough choicesPhilip Augar chaired the May government’s review of post-18 education and fundingOne of Britain’s most globally successful industries is under financial pressure. More than a third of higher education institutions are running at a loss, a handful are at risk of government bailout and some have had to shed staff and courses. While Labour’s recent decision to allow a small increase in university tuition fees in England to £9,535 a year is not a complete solution, it sent a signal that the government is listening to the sector.Universities are part of a delicate post-18 education system, and they cannot be considered in isolation. Encouragingly, this gesture was one of a series of steps in the right direction. It started with the creation of Skills England just weeks after the general election. This new arm’s-length government body will administer the growth and skills fund, a levy on large employers now extended to other forms of training as well as apprenticeships.Philip Augar is a former banker and the author of several financial history books. He chaired the May government’s review of post-18 education and funding Continue reading...
The government is making welcome moves to overhaul a sector in financial turmoil, but institutions face tough choices
- Philip Augar chaired the May government’s review of post-18 education and funding
One of Britain’s most globally successful industries is under financial pressure. More than a third of higher education institutions are running at a loss, a handful are at risk of government bailout and some have had to shed staff and courses. While Labour’s recent decision to allow a small increase in university tuition fees in England to £9,535 a year is not a complete solution, it sent a signal that the government is listening to the sector.
Universities are part of a delicate post-18 education system, and they cannot be considered in isolation. Encouragingly, this gesture was one of a series of steps in the right direction. It started with the creation of Skills England just weeks after the general election. This new arm’s-length government body will administer the growth and skills fund, a levy on large employers now extended to other forms of training as well as apprenticeships.
Philip Augar is a former banker and the author of several financial history books. He chaired the May government’s review of post-18 education and funding Continue reading...
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