Higher education funding challenges debated in the Lords

Three university students wearing graduation gowns and hats

On Thursday 12 September, members of the House of Lords debated the current challenges of higher education funding.

Debate

Lord Krebs (Crossbench), a former principal of Jesus College, Oxford, put forward the debate.

This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.     

Members speaking

Contributing members included:

Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour), former Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Education and Employment
Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd (Crossbench), chancellor of Aberystwyth University
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (Liberal Democrat), emeritus professor at the London School of Economics
Lord Willetts (Conservative), former Minister for Universities and Science.

Opening the debate, Lord Krebs said:

‘While the government should act to help solve the short-term crisis, there is a longer-term question: is the university sector as a whole fit for purpose?’

Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe (Labour) added:

'Government grants have been cut by 78% over the last 12 years, and the level of fees paid for tuition in 2012 has not been revalued since then.

'It is scarcely surprising that the sector regulator expects at least 40% of providers to be in deficit this year.'

Lord Willets said:

'I think it is important that we tackle the pressures on the cost of teaching students through an increase in the fees that they pay.'

Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour), Minister of Skills at the Department for Education, responded on behalf of the government:

'In many communities, higher education provides a vital anchor for wider economic development and progress. That is why this government are committed to creating a secure future for the sector.'