University funding
TWO Liverpool universities are facing funding cuts next year, the Daily Post can reveal.
Figures from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) revealed more than half of England’s 130 universities received cuts in cash terms.
But when taking into account inflation of around 2%, three-quarters are facing a real-term cut.
They include the University of Liverpool, which will receive £112.6m.
On paper, it is an 0.2% rise – but after inflation equates to a cut of 1.8%.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Howard Newby has told staff it “represents a decrease in real terms in the region of £300,000”.
Last night, a university spokeswoman said its “historically strong balance sheet leaves us well placed to meet the financial challenges ahead”.
She added: “The university is on target to break even this year, despite a difficult funding climate.”
Liverpool John Moores University is facing a funding cut next year of 0.6% – roughly adding up to a 2.6% cut after inflation. Its annual allocation is around £70.8m.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Brown said: “Obviously we are disappointed the Government has to reduce funds for higher education, which should be an area for investment rather than cost-cutting, but desperate times provoke desperate measures.
“The allocation for LJMU is broadly as we had anticipated. We will have to cut costs and we will deal with it.
“We are not alone – the whole of the public sector is affected by the current economic climate and we are prepared to face the challenges ahead.
“As we have recently invested in several new buildings, which are more cost-effective and fit for purpose, we no longer require the historical buildings fund and this accounts for the slight variation in LJMU’s allocation.”