Review of Higher Education in Wales

The Education Minister at the Assembly, Jane Hutt announced a review of Higher Education yesterday, to be chaired by Prof Mervyn Jones, Vice Chancellor of Bangor University. The review will, and I quote from the Minister's statement:

'The first stage of the review, to conclude by the end of September 2008, will consider student finance arrangements in Wales. In particular, the group will assess the extent to which student finance is targeted to widen access and encourage take up of priority subjects as well as the need to identify options to help tackle graduate debt.

The second phase will focus on reviewing the purpose and role for higher education in Wales taking account of the vision set out in Reaching Higher – the Assembly Government’s strategy for the higher education sector in Wales and its skills and employment strategy, Skills that Work for Wales. It will also look at higher education policy developments in England and Scotland as well as analysing the current and likely future demands and needs of learners, the economy and society. The second stage of the review should be completed by the end of February 2009.'

Both elements of the review are important of course, but I am largely interested in the possibility of any changes to student finance in Wales. No doubt people are aware of the role that I played in the student movement in campaigning against the introduction of top-up fees in Wales, and I am pleased therefore that the One Wales Government has committed to retaining the current student support arrangements until the end of this Assembly term.

Nevertheless, with the review of HE funding set to take place on a UK level next year, it is necessary for Wales to conduct a review to assess the options available for Wales- especially if the UK Government is intent on lifting the cap on top-up fees in England. I don't agree with Andrew RT Davies, Tory AMs comments that the timescale is tight on the review. Far too many reviews are long-winded and seemingly everlasting, and I hope that this committee can work diligently and effectively to assess all options available for Welsh students for the future.

I am against the implementation of top-up fees, I cannot deny that, but I know that there are people within the sector that believe that such fees should be introduced in order that they can properly fund their Institutions and develop their research capacity- effectively buying in to the idea that we need to create a market in the HE sector, much like the DWP are intent on advocating the marketisation of the welfare sector on a UK level.

I don't see how charging students for their education, and forcing them in to debt can be a way in which to develop our Institutions, and the ambition of Wales as a Nation. I also believe that to introduce such fees undermines the legitimacy of the widening access, and the lifelong learning agendas here in Wales.

Nevertheless, we have to discuss these issues frankly and honestly if we are serious about addressing the issues surrounding student finance and HE funding. I look forward to taking part in the process, and in reading the committee's report in September ( how I will respond to any recommendations made is another matter altogether!)