Funding gap denial is betraying Wales' youth

1.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th May 2008

Labour and Plaid Cymru are betraying Wales' young people by failing to fulfil their promise to properly fund universities.

On June 22, 2005 all four main parties voted in the Assembly to close the funding gap between universities as part of the budget negotiations. But in government Labour and Plaid Cymru have seen the funding gap grow. Higher Education Wales now estimate the gap has grown to £60m, and is growing year on year.

Education spokesperson Kirsty Williams said: "Ministers like to say that because funding to Welsh Universities has risen, we should all be happy. But I'm not happy with a second class system in Wales.

"I want Wales' HEIs to be able to compete for students around the world. I want Wales' HEIs to be the envy of those across the border - not the poor relations.

"If the government is truly committed to raising skill levels and putting Wales at the forefront of the Knowledge economy then it is our universities that will put us there.

"Short-changing them is a short cut to a poorer Wales."

Mike German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, added: "The four leaders were agreed back in June 2005, that not only did the funding gap exist, but we needed to close it.

"Being in government has created a sense of denial in Plaid Cymru. Now their special advisor says don't admit there is a gap. By denying the existence of something that is growing every month, the government is making itself look foolish. But worse than that, they are undermining the institutions that will drive the digital economy in Wales.

"By breaking their promise they are casting a shadow over Wales' future prosperity, and letting down our young people - who deserve better."

Wednesday's debate will also look at part-time learners who often get a raw deal by comparison with their full-time colleagues.

Notes:

Welsh Lib Dem motion for debate on Wednesday

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the contribution that Higher Education makes to the economy of Wales;

2. Notes the significant contribution that part time learners make to Higher Education;

3. Notes with concern that, according to HEFCW, the Higher Education funding gap between Welsh and English HEIs has grown to £61 million;

4. Calls on the Welsh Assembly Government to:

a) address the funding gap between Welsh and English HEIs; and

b) ensure that there is a parity of esteem for part-time learners in HE, especially in the areas of fees and student support.