Synopsis
However, the government now finds itself facing a familiar impasse on cost and university places. Student fees have risen to an average of over £8,000 and the deficit reduction programme has seen an 80% cut in the HEFCE teaching grant. However, much of the cost saving created by this reduction has been offset by the need for the government to meet the up-front costs of higher tuition fees. Consequently, a de facto cap on total student numbers will have to remain in place. Where should the government go next if it is to ensure that the reforms that have been introduced do not flounder on the same old obstacles?
Shortly after the release of the government’s long-awaited White Paper on Higher Education, Policy Exchange will convene a panel debate on the challenges facing our HE sector. Speeches will be followed by a panel discussion and questions from the floor.
Speakers:
CHAIR: Neil O’Brien - Director, Policy Exchange
Nicky Morgan MP - Member of Parliament for Loughborough and Parliamentary Private Secretary to Rt Hon David Willetts MP
Professor Malcolm Gillies - Vice-Chancellor, London Metropolitan University
Dr Tim Leunig - Reader in Economic History, London School of Economics
Professor Nicholas Barr - Professor of Public Economics (European Institute), London School of Economics