Ayrshire & Arran Liberal Democrats

Currently the SNP government is purposing to cut £40 million in funding from the colleges which will lead to less student places available. This will have a massive impact not only across all of Scotland but also here in North Ayrshire.

This week Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie called on the First Minister, Alex Salmond  to come clean on his plans for the funding of Scotland’s colleges. Mr Rennie asked the First Minister to explain whether his Government have at last decided to reverse the damaging £40 million cut that it is are making to colleges.

The Scottish Government has received an unexpected £67 million in consequentials from the UK Government and Mr Rennie has urged the Scottish Government to use that money to fill the funding gap and protect Scotland’s colleges.

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

“Mr Salmond and his Government have had over a month now to fill the college funding gap. The Scottish Government is proposing a £40 million cut to colleges but has more than £67 million in extra money, available and unallocated. Colleges throughout Scotland are extremely concerned about the impact these cuts are going to have on vital college places. It is estimated that 9000 places could be lost. While a new Youth Minister for Scotland is welcome, the First Minister has made no reference to supplying extra funds for colleges which are so needed. The Scottish Government need to stop hurting Scotland’s colleges. They have the funds available. The First Minister needs to stop the dodge and delay and get on the side of those who want to protect Scotland’s colleges.” 

The Irvine Time also reported this wee that the President of the James Watt College students association has slammed the proposed college budget cuts. He went on to comment that the 10% cut last yeat lead to 124 job losses at the college and that further cuts would lead to futher losses.