London Higher represents 40 universities and higher education colleges. It has produced a report, urging the government to think again about reallocating money at a time when universities need it most.
The London Weighting element of the Teaching Grant - now the Strategic Priorities Grant – reflects the higher costs of delivery in London. It is intended to create a level playing field across higher education institutions (HEIs) in England. This is to offset the higher costs of operating in the capital.
Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor of Greenwich University, believes the decision will have an impact on the university’s students.
She said: “Many of our students come from the most deprived boroughs in London, more than 52 per cent are from BAME communities. Over 70 percent live at home as they study, and over 56 per cent are the first in their family to go university. The significant reduction to our budget means that we will have less money to continue to support our students and future graduates at a time when they need it most.”
Dr Diana Beech, CEO of London Higher, added: “This report makes clear the case for maintaining the current levels of funding for the capitals’ universities. The cost of delivery in London is considerably higher than elsewhere in the UK. This additional pressure, at short notice, will not only cause issues such as difficulties in recruitment, staff morale, higher staff turnover and worsening facilities on campus, but threaten widening participation goals if student support is affected.
“We urge the government to think again about reallocating this funding at a time when we need a strong capital to lead our post-Covid recovery and uphold the UK’s status as a quality global study destination of choice.”
The report finds:
- Some London boroughs are among the most deprived areas of the country, with a third in the 30% most deprived areas in England
- London’s HEIs face unavoidable higher costs of staffing and buildings, with more than the average 55% of total HEI expenditure going towards staff costs
- Removal of the London Weighting will mean a funding shortfall across London of around £64m (-13.7%)
- Removing funding at short notice will have an impact on students, with less money per student to provide the good quality student experience expected from HEIs
- Levelling down London is not the way to equalise economic performance across the country
