The Welsh Labour Government is failing to work with the Higher Education sector in developing its student funding policies according to information obtained by the Welsh Conservatives.
The Education Minister has met with only two Vice-Chancellors of Welsh Higher Education Institutions since announcing his controversial university funding plans over six months ago, while both the Minister and his officials have turned down requests for meetings.
In written answers to Shadow Education Minister, Angela Burns AM, the Minister revealed that he has only met the Vice-Chancellors of the University of Glamorgan and Bangor since announcing his Higher Education funding plans in November 2010. He held a meeting the Vice-Chancellor of the Open University in March 2011.
The Minister also revealed that both he and his officials have turned down requests for meetings with university Vice-Chancellors, while the Minister refused to reveal when he last met with representatives of other Welsh Higher Education Institutions.
In February 2011, Ministers revealed that significant policy work remained to be done on Labour’s tuition fees plans amid accusations that the plan was simply a pre-election gimmick.
Angela Burns AM said, “I find it astonishing that while the Minister is drawing up his Higher Education policies he is failing to engage with Welsh universities and is actually refusing to meet with a number of Vice-Chancellors.
“At a time when the HE sector is facing major and controversial funding reforms the Minister should be working closely with Welsh universities to listen to their concerns and address their worries.
“I am concerned that the Minister does not seem to be engaging with Welsh universities as his Government draws up the most significant changes in student funding in over a decade.
“The Minister should be meeting with university representatives on a regular basis to discuss the development of his tuition fee policies, which he admitted before the election, are still in progress.
“Many fear that these proposals represent an unsustainable financial commitment for the Welsh Government and could result in raids on other budgets in order to keep an ill-considered pre-election promise.
“A vibrant and ambitious Higher Education sector is vital to the future of the Welsh economy, encouraging a new generation to surpass the achievements of the last.
“The Minister needs to engage in a positive manner with universities, unions, parents and students so young people in Wales can aspire to study in world class institutions.”
