Tuition fee cut would ‘devastate university funding’

Science courses and museums could fall victim after vice-chancellors warn of £3bn shortfall

CUTTING tuition fees will send universities into a “crisis” that could result in science courses being cut and leave museums facing closure, leading vicechancellors warn today. It was reported earlier this month that university tuition fees could be cut to £6,500, under proposals from a commission established by the Prime Minister to recommend higher education reforms.

This would leave universities with a third less income from fees and a £3 billion funding shortfall.

University leaders say that such a “drastic” slashing of fees would leave the UK’S higher education sector reeling, and would lead to departments or even entire universities closing down. In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, the chairman and the chief executive of the Russell Group, an association of 24 public research universities, ask: “Would the Treasury offer to cover the funding shortfall in full? If not, UK higher education will face a funding crisis.

“Some institutions would likely close. Others would have to reduce the range of courses they offer. Higher cost subjects, such as science, technology and engineering, would be threatened even though they are producing the graduates our economy needs. Cutting fees would lead to universities’ social mobility programmes and their “civic mission” being downgraded, the letter says.

Many institutions provide funding for local museums and art galleries, but this would be one of the “first things to go”, Prof Chris Day, the vice-chancellor of Newcastle University, said.

“We put £1million a year from our own coffers into Great North Museum and Hatton Gallery – how could we justify that?” he told The Telegraph.

Prof Sir Anton Muscatelli, chairman of the Russell Group and vice-chancellor of Glasgow University, said that the move would put the Industrial Strategy in “peril” because fees are currently used to subsidise research.

Last year, Theresa May ordered a review of post-18 education, which is due to report to the Department for Education in January. Mrs May came under pressure on the issue after it was felt that young voters in last year’s general election backed Jeremy Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees.

“The Government is trying to address a short-term problem – particularly as the opposition is promising to get rid of fees. They may think there is an easy political fix,” said Sir Anton.

“It is up to society how to pay for it. There will be consequences if you don’t replace it with public funding.”

Prof Michael Arthur, the provost of University College London, said that it would have a “devastating” impact on universities’ ability to recruit students from deprived backgrounds.

SIR – The Prime Minister’s review of university funding is reportedly considering a drastic cut to tuition fees.

Would the Treasury offer to cover the funding shortfall in full? If not, higher education in Britain will face a funding crisis. This could lead to the introduction of limits to student numbers, despite 300,000 new places being needed by 2030. Support for disadvantaged students will be at risk.

Some institutions would likely close. Others would have to reduce the range of courses they offer. Higher-cost subjects, such as science, technology and engineering, would be threatened – even though they are producing the graduates our economy needs.

There would be knock-on consequences for universities’ ability to produce world-leading research and innovation.

Their civic mission would also be on the front line. Many universities are anchor institutions in their locality, employing thousands of people, driving regeneration, providing free access to libraries and workspaces and supporting cultural services where councils lack resources. Many such activities would no longer be viable.

However the debate on tuition fees proceeds, ministers should, at a minimum, guarantee current levels of funding, with a commitment to meet future demand.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli Chairman, Russell Group and Vice Chancellor, Glasgow University

Chief Executive, Russell Group