The leaders of both Universities Scotland and Colleges Scotland have published a joint statement calling for real-terms increases in funding ahead of the Scottish Government’s budget which is due on Thursday 15 December. The statement highlights the alignment between the university and college role in skills development, research and innovation and the Scottish Government’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth. The statement also highlights the considerable funding pressures already facing the further and higher education ahead of fears that the next budget, which will determine funding for 2023/24, will bring further real term cuts.
Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said:
“Scotland is at a real crossroads. Clearly, public finances are under real pressure, but Scotland’s strategy must be to invest in areas that can return sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”
Shona Struthers, Chief Executive of Colleges Scotland said:
“… a failure to adequately fund these vital organisations will undoubtedly mean we will miss out on the potential economic and employment opportunities ahead of us.”