By John O'Leary
For all the politicians’ talk of universities’ importance to economic recovery and social cohesion, higher education has become the first public service to feel the axe. Having demanded economies of £398 million, Lord Mandelson said last week that the sector would have to bear its share of cuts, although not more than that.
In this edition of Policy Review magazine, some of the most influential figures in English higher education assess how deep the cuts will go and what will be the consequences. Both David Lammy, the Higher Education Minister, and David Willetts, the Shadow Universities Secretary, make it clear that the sector will have to learn to live with reduced levels of funding. And Sir Alan Langlands stresses that the Higher Education Funding Council for England is preparing for just such an eventuality.
Sir Alan says that, with the right direction, universities are in sufficiently rude financial health to adapt to tougher times. But it will mean a reduced range of subjects and activities for some and imaginative use of resources everywhere. Professor Chris Brady, dean of the BPP Business School, predicts that it will also mean the development of a competitive private sector for the first time in the UK.
For Mr Lammy, the key will be to find new sources of revenue, rather than “gambling” on Lord Browne’s review of tuition fees to shore up their finances. But Mr Willetts believes the review can make an important start on the road to more stable funding.
Sir Peter Scott, vice-chancellor of Kingston University London, says higher education has been subject to “inexorable nationalization” as politicians have interfered more and more. Only if the deep-rooted drivers of change and expansion reassert themselves will universities escape stagnation and mediocrity.
The second half of the magazine addresses the rural agenda ahead of the general election and the rise of women in public policy, as well as looking at policing budgets and the Prevent strategy. There is also a Policy Tracker on careers information, advice and guidance - another hotly contested area in the run-up to the election.
25 January 2010
John O'Leary. Editor, Policy Review Magazine
Cover Story
Steve Smith fears that universities and the economy will be the losers if the coalition cannot agree on student fees
By John O'Leary
Feature Articles
Stick together to resist the axe
Even in an era of cuts, market forces must not be allowed to dictate students' choice of university
By Aaron Porter
Universities will have to re-examine every aspect of their operations - and the assumptions that underlie them
By Mike Boxall
Other articles
Social Policy
Public engagement with policymakers is a good thing. But don’t let the tools of engagement drive the process
By Pippa Hyam
Education and Skills
Research into the effectiveness of early intervention programmes poses questions for the new Government
By Oli de Botton
Central Government
Government moves to cut jargon are well-meaning but must go further if they are to make a real impact
By Neil Taylor
The Economy
The Calman Commission’s fiscal recommendations will define its long-term success - or otherwise
By David Lee