Colleges warn finances are unsustainable

THE financial position at Scotland’s colleges is “unsustainable”, an industry body has warned.

Colleges Scotland has blamed the Government for the financial challenges faced by the sector.

An annual review of colleges by public services watchdog Audit Scotland found financial health in the sector remains “relatively stable’’ but has deteriorated since 2014/15.

The Auditor General for Scotland Caroline Gardner said potential difficulties from falling student numbers coupled with financial challenges mean there is a “growing risk’’ to colleges’ ability to deliver on key Scottish Government aims for sector.

In a written submission to a Holyrood committee ahead of an evidence session tomorrow, Colleges Scotland chief executive Shona Struthers said: “What is seen here is the culmination of the effect of policy and investment decisions taken over a number of years by the Scottish Government.

“The overall financial position that the sector faces is unsustainable.” A CHARITY has called for the mass building of affordable homes in Scotland to be designed with the needs of the rising elderly population in mind.

Official statistics show the number of new homes rose by