Achi news desk-
Members of the Scottish Parliament from all parties took part in a debate organized by the Scottish Conservatives on a motion by MSP Liam Kerr, which called for a change in the Scottish Government’s funding strategy to tackle the “existential threat ” facing the sector.
“Scotland’s colleges are the bedrock around which the future of Scotland depends,” he said.
He referred to The Herald’s series on the state of Scotland’s colleges, noting the contributions of colleges to the Scottish economy.
Read more: A new pay offer for college support staff is expected this week
According to a report by the Fraser of Allander Foundation, colleges contribute £52 billion to the economy over the working lives of their graduates, including £72,000 per graduate and hundreds of thousands of jobs over a period of 40 years.
“Colleges add enormous value, far more than they cost,” added Mr Kerr.
“The government must act to address the present and future of our colleges now. Or in an empty sector, who does the minister think will step up to tackle the economic downturn, to upskill and reskill, to mitigate skills gaps and to support lifelong learning.”
He also pressed Further and Higher Education Minister Graeme to consider some of the non-financial recommendations for improving and reforming the college sector, including reforms to the national bargaining system, which an independent report found suffered from a “debilitating level of low trust. ”
Mr Kerr said the government needed action on colleges, referring to an education committee report in March 2023 which warned colleges were trying to navigate a challenging financial climate “without a clear overarching strategic direction from the Scottish Government.”
Read more: How the Herald has shed light on Scotland’s State Colleges
Further and Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey repeated what has become a regular refrain in recent weeks, saying that any calls for more funding for colleges should also include suggestions on where in the budget the government should make cuts to boost colleges.
“Last week I recognized that there are challenges facing colleges and I also accept that there is a gap between what colleges would have available now if funding had risen in line with inflation over recent years.”
He added that less money from the UK Government is forcing the government’s hand.
In response, Mr Dey said he was working with colleges to increase apprenticeship opportunities and keep them in line with industry needs. Work is also underway to help colleges get more funding from the government for apprenticeships.
“It is important that decisions to fund the Scottish college sector are made looking ahead. That is going to require thoughtful leadership from across the sector and beyond,” he said.
He suggested that a new minister could take his place following the new ministerial decisions of Prime Minister John Swinney.
“Regardless of who holds this post when the ministerial reshuffle is underway, I know the Scottish Government will remain committed to that close collaboration, which I believe will i, leads to shaping a college sector that can achieve local and national priorities.”
He said that it is in everyone’s interest that colleges are allowed to flourish, and simplifying the funding landscape – including reducing the number of funding pools – will be a key priority for any reform.
Pam Duncan-Glancy, Labour’s shadow cabinet secretary for education, referred to the Audit Scotland report. The watchdog found that there is an urgent need for the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to build on their ongoing work with colleges and help them become sustainable now.”
Read more: Seven things we learned about the State of Scotland’s Colleges
He said that Mr Dey should negotiate with college staff, trade unions, and employers to end the industrial dispute before colleges break for the summer.
“Colleges cannot afford another day of inaction from this government or lack of leadership from this minister.”
She asked him to provide a timetable for a new college funding model and an emergency funding package to avoid layoffs.
Conservative MP Sue Webber said Scotland’s colleges provide unique opportunities for its most vulnerable citizens. As reported in The Herald, around a third of college students come from Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.
“The SNP’s chronic underfunding of Scottish colleges has forced them into a precarious financial position, affecting their ability to support learners and grow the economy.”
He called on all members of parliament to visit the colleges in their constituency to better understand the impact of “the unsung heroes of our education sector.”
Conservative MP Roz McCall closed the debate by outlining the financial review at UHI Perth, which is jeopardizing student services, the library, some courses and jobs. He said risks to childcare and education services jeopardize policies meant to fight poverty, especially among children.
