Westminster Weekly: 21 - 28 March 2008

1. Select Committee criticises Government’s flawed ELQs policy

The Innovation, Universities, Skills and Science Select Committee of the House of Commons today published its report on the government’s decision to phase out financial support for students taking second qualifications of an equivalent or lower level (ELQs).

The committee has endorsed NUS’ arguments that the government’s decision was insufficiently justified, lacked appropriate consultation and should have been left until the independent review of variable fees due in 2009.

It also argued that the government’s attempt to pit one group of students against another was unsubstantiated and raised questions about how funding re-allocation would help part-time students, along with concerns that a full equality impact assessment had not been conducted before the decision was made.

The committee’s report follows an inquiry during which the committee took oral evidence from NUS, the University and College Union (UCU), the Open University and Birkbeck College. The committee also received 488 written submissions, including one from NUS.

The summary of the committee’s report reads as follows:

"We conclude that the decision to cut funding to ELQ students was insufficiently justified either by persuasive analysis of its likely effectiveness in achieving the desired goals or evidence of the likely wider impact of the policy. Nearly all the submissions we received were hostile to the changes … We conclude that the transitional arrangements and exemptions are inadequate-for example, the change will affect some groups of students and some institutions more than others-and inconsistent-for example, those pursuing Turkish studies are exempt but not pharmacists. We believe that the change would have been better left until the independent review of variable fees due in 2009, which would have been able to weigh funding of ELQs against other priorities."

The committee said there could be “little doubt that the withdrawal of HEFCE funding support for the tuition fees charged to ELQ students will increase substantially the fees such students will have to pay, if the full cost is passed on to them”.

The committee criticised the government for not providing written evidence to the inquiry: “We consider it unacceptable for there to be no memorandum provided from the government. We expect government departments fully to comply with all reasonable requests for written submissions before they appear before us in future.”

Although the committee acknowledged it is for ministers to decide funding priorities, it argued that it should provide “a full rationale for, and justification of, the policy, scoping of its effects and a proper examination of possible unintended consequences”. The committee said the government has not shown convincing evidence that the withdrawal of funding for ELQ students and the phased re-allocation of the resources will meet its policy objective to encourage more suitably qualified individuals to start higher education for the first time.

The committee found no convincing evidence that ‘perpetual students’ were absorbing public resources or impeding the access of other students to higher education, endorsing NUS’ view that the government’s attempt to pit one group of students against another was not an accurate description.

The committee also recommended that the government produce as a matter of urgency comprehensive and clear guidance for higher education institutions and students to ensure that they understand and follow the funding rules on fees for ELQ students.

The government is formally required to respond to the select committee’s report within two months, other than in exceptional circumstances. In light of this, the coming period is a good opportunity for students’ unions to reiterate their concerns to the government and MPs in order to change this policy. For more details contact NUS' Public Affairs Officer Alex Jones at public.affairs@nus.org.uk.

2. NUS pressure prompts Committee’s fair access inquiry

The Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Select Committee has announced that it is to conduct an inquiry into the work of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

OFFA was created as part of the Higher Education Act 2004 to promote and safeguard fair access to higher education for under-represented groups following the introduction of variable tuition fees in 2006.

The Committee’s inquiry will focus on how effective OFFA is in promoting and safeguarding fair access to higher education for under-represented groups; and how the effects of OFFA's work are measured.

NUS has in public and private meetings with MPs called for an inquiry into the work of OFFA, following concerns about the way access agreements are drawn up and approved, as well as the powers OFFA has to undertake its responsibilities.

The Select Committee has requested submissions from interested parties. If you would like to contribute to NUS’ submission or to discuss the inquiry in further detail, please email Alex Jones at public.affairs@nus.org.uk

3. Early Day Motion 1261 - University Tuition Fees

That this House welcomes and acknowledges the UK Youth Parliament's report into university tuition fees; notes that while 60 per cent. of the 5,850 15 to 18 year olds surveyed aspired to attend university, one in three who wanted to attend said they would not be able to afford to go; agrees with 80 per cent. of survey respondents who said the Government was not doing enough to make university financially accessible for young people; and calls on the Government to enable young people of all backgrounds to be able to afford their higher education.

On 27/3/08 it was signed by:

Peter Bottomley

Mr David Heath

Mr Roger Williams

Lynne Jones

Harry Cohen

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Richard Younger-Ross

Jo Swinson

Norman Baker

Steve Webb

Mr David Drew

Mr Brian Jenkins

Andrew George

On 26/3/08 it was signed by:

Burt, Lorely

Williams, Stephen

Hemming, John

Clark, Katy

Gibson, Ian

Clapham, Michael

Russell, Bob

Sanders, Adrian

Harvey, Nick

Holmes, Paul

Hancock, Mike

Stunell, Andrew

Leech, John

Mulholland, Greg

Riordan, Linda

Willott, Jenny

4. Oral Questions to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills

1. Clive Efford (Labour, Eltham): What steps he is taking to assist universities in attracting the best students irrespective of background.

(196478)

In response, Universities and Skills John Denham stated that the Government supported a range of policies, including the Aim Higher programme, the Gifted and Talented programme, with increased grants and universities' own outreach programme.

In a supplementary, Mr Efford stated that the impression given by Oxbridge is that they will not be given preferential treatment, and he suggested that this had put some people off reaching their full potential. Replying, Mr Denham stated that it would be wrong to suggest that no efforts had been made, and highlighted Cambridge's outreach programme. He went on to say that there needed to be more focus on the attitudes of students at a younger age. He highlighted a £4m endowment programme donated to Cambridge University yesterday.

In response to a question from Phillip Hollobone on increasing university participation and the need for a university in his area, John Denham noted that the new university challenge had inspired many regions throughout the UK and he expressed pleasure at the number of those developing university plans.

In response to a question from Barry Sheerman on the need for Oxford and Cambridge to alter their select process, coming into line with other institutions, John Denham stated that Cambridge University were bringing their selection system into line with UCAS, adding that measures were in place to ensure that the poorest students were not discriminated against.

Conservative Shadow Minister for Innovation, Universities and Skills Rob Wilson stated that widening participation funds for Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Bristol and other Russell Group universities had been cut.

Responding, John Denham stated that there had been no change to the formula for this funding. He stressed that this reflected the success of the approaches taken by the universities, and said it was the responsibility of these universities to do better.

In response to a question from Ann Cryer on whether universities were doing enough to widen access and encourage children to aim higher, John Denham agreed that this was very important. There was a high volume of activity by universities, he stated, and it was important to determine which activities were most effective, ensure there were better structural links between universities and schools and also build on work with parents and grandparents in areas where ambition was low.

In response to a question from Chair of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Select Committee, Liberal Democrat Phil Willis on the need to ensure that all universities were valued, rather than having league tables, John Denham stated that he agreed with this, adding that mutual respect was needed for each university. It was crucial that each university was excellent at what it chose to do, he stressed, adding that he disliked the language which denigrated some institutions.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Labour, Gateshead East & Washington West): What assessment he has made of the role of higher education institutions in encouraging members of the community who would not traditionally apply to university to do so.

(196485)

In response, Innovation, Universities and Skills Minister Bill Rammell stated that high education institutions had paid £97m in bursaries, were involved in the Aim Higher programme and outreach activities.

In a supplementary, Mrs Hodgson called for pro-active work with higher education institutions, and visits she had organised for students to Durham University. Replying, the Minister stated that MPs could play a role in talking to young people about universities, which would unlock the potential of many young people.

In response to a question from Christine Russell on helping young people raise aspirations and whether universities could open up facilities in order that young people could enjoy them pre-university, Bill Rammell agreed and noted that this was already part of the business of many universities. UK academics provided a great number of working days which supported arts and cultural life, he added, and young people were more likely to go to university if exposed to these early.

Mr David Hamilton (Labour, Midlothian): What discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on the supply of skilled workers from new apprenticeships.

(196486)

In response, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham stated that ministers were spoken to regularly, adding that more public sector apprenticeships had been welcomed. Moreover, £60 million was provided through the budget, he added.

In response to a question from Andrew Mackay on the numbers that had failed to complete apprenticeships, John Denham stated that the completion rate had risen from 23 per cent to 63 per cent, which compared well with international standards. He insisted that there had been incredible success, though he accepted that there might be additional measures that could be used.

Mr David Kidney (Labour, Stafford): If he will make an estimate of the number of university and further education courses in which the study of sustainable development is a required element; and if he will make a statement.

(196490)

In response, Innovation, Universities and Skills Minister Bill Rammell stated that sustainable development was embedded in many courses, such as business.

Mr Kidney asserted that a drive to tackle climate change would lead to an increase in the need for new skills, pressing for a widening of sustainable development courses. In reply, the Minister stated that he agreed that this needed to be expanded, adding that he had met with the sustainable waste industry on this. Moreover, sector skills councils had a key role in assuring that the right skills were available in this area, he added.

Topical Questions to the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills

John Robertson (Labour, Glasgow North West): If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

In response to a question from John Robertson on Departmental Responsibilities, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham stated that there would be £2.3bn investment in FE college capital investment projects. There will be a strategy for carbon neutral buildings, and statutory training in the development of new buildings.

Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills David Willetts asked whether the Secretary of State would commend the IUS Committee on its report on equivalent and lower qualification students (ELQ) and whether he supported its conclusions that were highly critical of planned cuts.

Responding, John Denham praised the Committee for its work, but he felt that ELQ needed to be cut in order that access could be widened to those who would not gain access to university otherwise. In a supplementary, Mr Willetts noted that there was no evidence that this funding would be crucial in widening access and that this view was shared by the Committee. He asked whether withdrawal of ELQ funding was permanent or whether it may be reinstated after 2011.

On unmet demand, Mr Denham replied, he felt that the Government were right to expand access in the way that they had done. There was a great deal of latent demand, he stressed. There was no plan to reverse the decision on cutting ELQ funding, he stressed, but there had been no decision on whether funding decisions would be taken further in future.

Mr Adam Holloway (Con, Gravesham):

In response to a question from Adam Holloway on what could be done to help immigrants learn English, Innovation, Universities and Skills Minister Bill Rammell stated that a consultation on how best to use the resources for ESOL courses was underway.

Ann Coffey (Labour, Stockport):

In response to a question from Anne Coffey on involving young people not in education and training in apprenticeship programmes, John Denham stated that the Government wanted to raise the participation age to 18, which he hoped would offer young people the chance to receive a work-based education.

David Taylor (Labour, North West Leicestershire):

In response to a question from David Taylor on the report of the UK Youth Parliament which found that 60 per cent wanted to go into higher education but that many of these felt that they would not be able to afford it, Bill Rammell explained that he had discussed this report the previous day and he noted increases in applications year on year. The introduction of non-repayable student grants would be a major factor in future progress, he felt.

Ben Chapman (Labour, Wirral South):

In response to a question from Ben Chapman on a college in his constituency risking closure as a result of learning and skills council funding it had been provided, Innovation, Universities and Skills Minister Bill Rammell expressed his understanding of the problem and his willingness to discuss it. He felt that there needed to be viable consultation on the issues involved.

5. Denham details £2.3 billion funding for colleges.

John Denham the Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills today said a two billion pound strategy to develop new low carbon colleges marked a radical new approach to the delivery of public buildings, For the first time, contracts will be required to spell out how they will deliver on-site apprenticeships and work-based learning. Building Colleges for the Future outlines detailed proposals for the largest ever further education building works programme, which will see £2.3 billion invested over the next three years. It will provide every community with state of the art further education facilities. The strategy will ensure that all new facilities are zero carbon by 2016, two years ahead of the Government's target for public sector buildings.

The announcement follows the Prime Minister's speech in January this year in which he said major infrastructure projects should also lead to investment in apprenticeships.

6. Denham makes statement on Education (Student Support) Regulations

Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham made a written statement on Tuesday 25 March 2008 in which he announced that 154 individual prisoners received some form of maintenance payment while a full-time student since 1998. In total, these prisoners received £570,000 in maintenance loans. They also received £160,000 in maintenance grants.

This follows the Secretary of State’s statement on 7 February, when he admitted preliminary investigations suggested approximately 250 prisoners had received up to £250,000 in maintenance grants since 1998 as a result. There is also evidence of some maintenance payments made to prisoners between 1990 and 1998.