Universities UK response to Spending Review announcement
Universities UK responded today to the government's Autumn Statement and Spending Review announcements.
Dame Julia Goodfellow, President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, said: “We welcome the protection of science funding in real terms. It recognises the crucial role of science and research to economic growth. In the longer term, it is essential that there is increasing investment in our world-leading science and research, if we are to keep up with our international competitors.
“We are pleased that the government has extended eligibility for maintenance loans to part-time students. Extending the loans system to postgraduate students and broadening support for students studying second degrees is also to be welcomed.
“In contract, we are disappointed with cuts to the student opportunity fund, especially given the government’s aspiration to widening participation in higher education.”
