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'£25million to ease tuition fees pressures' |
The Welsh Assembly Government has allocated a further £25million from in-year reserves for 2010/11. Extra pressure in the current year has been caused by a rise in the number of students in 2009/10 and 2010/11. At the same time there was an increase in the number of students eligible for means-tested grants. During a visit to the University of Glamorgan Education Minister, Leighton Andrews said: "Helping Welsh students from all backgrounds to pursue their studies in higher education is a key policy which I am determined to protect. This funding is evidence of how we are helping students to get the best possible start in life." During his visit to the Glyntaff Campus Mr Andrews will see the new Science Laboratory to view the innovative course provision and research linked to the production and application of renewable energy, including hydrogen. Mr Andrews added: "As we all adjust to cope with the financial pressures on funding, I would encourage higher education institutions to concentrate research on their established strengths rather than striving to develop in new areas in competition with established players." Despite a difficult overall funding settlement the Assembly Government w continues to have a strong commitment to Higher Education, investing nearly £400 million next year. The funding was announced by Finance Minister Jane Hutt who said: "I am delighted that this extra money is being allocated to help ease the strain on student finances. As the Assembly Government tries to protect education spending following the worst financial settlement since the advent of devolution this funding increase recognises the increase in student numbers this year."
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Wales' Education Minister Leighton Andrews today welcomed extra funding to ease the pressures on student finances.