Warning Scottish Colleges are in ‘unsustainable’ financial position

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

Colleges Scotland has blamed the Scottish 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 cou- 0 Caroline Gardner said there is a ‘growing risk’ to colleges pled with financial challenges mean there is a “growing risk” to colleges’ ability to deliver on keyscottishgovernmentaims for sector.

In a written submission to a Holyrood committee, Col- leges 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.

“Colleges Scotland appreciates the Scottish Government’s additional revenue funding made available..but the overall financial position that the sector faces is unsustainable.”

She is due to give evidence to MSPS at the public audit and post-legislative scrutiny committee committee tomorrow along with Ms Gardner and Audit Scotland representatives.