Bangor University Court expresses deep concern at proposed funding cuts for higher education in Wales

Bangor University’s annual Court meeting today (15 January 2016) expressed deep concern at the significant reduction of funding to universities contained in the draft Welsh Government Budget for 2016/17, and the implications for the wider Welsh economy and society.

The Court resolved to support the officers of the University in their efforts to maintain and strengthen the financial position of Higher Education in Wales, and specifically Bangor University.

This resolution comes as higher education in Wales faces unprecedented cuts to funding in the proposed higher education budget 2016-17. The proposed cut of £41.4m (32%) in investment to universities in Wales from 2016-17 could actually be in addition to significant cuts being made this year. Total cuts of up to £61m to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW, the responsible for allocating funding to higher education in Wales) would be in addition to six successive years of major cuts to the HE budget, with a total reduction of £365m or 81% since 2010/11.

Bangor University Chancellor, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas commented:

“Our universities have a significant economic impact and make a valuable contribution to Wales and the world. However if these cuts are implemented, universities will be forced to make difficult choices. Part-time provision, high-cost subjects and quality research are all vital areas for Wales’ future prosperity, but some of our institutions will be faced with making stark choices in these and other areas.”

“Here at Bangor University, we have been investing in our provision for students, and recognise that students rightly deserve a fair deal for their tuition fees.”

Publication date: 15 January 2016