ResearchPlus has issued the following statement in response to today’s budget statement:
The Chancellor rightly praised UK universities and our leadership in innovation and research, but there was precious little to turn those words into support for the sustainability of the higher education sector. Failing to act is a choice to allow harm.
The Chancellor declined to raise fees to cover the government’s own assessment of the cost of delivering degrees or to establish a new compact that works for taxpayers, for students, and for universities. He also chose not to commit to raising research and innovation investment as the economy grows.
It’s disappointing that he neglected to support those very institutions that he acknowledges have the power to deliver growth in all postcodes and opportunities for all.
We stand by the recommendations we made in our recent letter to the Chancellor.
This statement may be updated as accompanying budget details are published.
