Potential of 1,700 fewer university places in NI if further funding not found

Concern has been voiced at an “unfolding crisis” in the higher education sector, with up to 1,700 university places being lost in September due to cuts.

Stormont Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald warned MLAs that her department is at “breaking point” financially during an appearance at the Economy Committee on Tuesday.

Committee chair Philip Brett put to Ms Archibald he is “particularly concerned” around the situation in higher education.

He said that in September there could be 1,700 fewer undergraduate university places available in Northern Ireland as a result of proposed cuts.

This would include 700 fewer places at Queen’s University Belfast, 720 fewer at Ulster University and 300 fewer at the Open University.

Ms Archibald responded saying she had outlined the “scale of the challenge” facing her department.

“Last year we were not in a good position with the opening budget for higher education either, and over the course of the year we did manage to obtain additional in-year funding, which went to alleviate some of the challenges that our universities were facing at that point,” she said.

“The number one reason why I felt that the budget wasn’t a sustainable way forward was because of the impact on our universities, and that is where I would be seeking to put additional funding if we are successful in obtaining it.

“I think that it would be really not where we would want to be to see that level of impact on our universities.”

Ian Snowden, permanent secretary of the department, said in the absence of an agreed budget, contingency allocations issued at the beginning of May represent around 95% of last year’s budget.

“What we have to do now is plan for the possibility that might be the budget we have to work to,” he said.

“If there’s no budget agreed by July 31, then from April 1, those numbers effectively become the budget that we need to work to.”

He said that would result in a 6% reduction across the department and bodies.

“Those figures that you cited would be the contingency allocations with that 6% reduction applied,” he said.

“If there is a budget agreed then additional funding will go to the universities, but we would need them to know exactly how much we get in that budget to be able to say what the difference would be.

“But as things start at the minute, if we get to the end of July and no budget is agreed, then those are the numbers everybody will be looking to.”

Ms Archibald added that she is working to try and find a way forward.

“I think all ministers are on that page,” she said.

“We need to be investing in our universities and colleges, and that’s what I sought to do since I permitted this role, and I will keep working, and I appreciate the committee’s support in that as well.

“I want to find a way forward here to correct the situation that the universities have found themselves in over the past few years that have made it really difficult for them to plan to be able to deliver how we need them to deliver for the wider economy.”

Speaking outside the committee, Mr Brett said the potential loss of university places “represent lost opportunities for young people right across Northern Ireland who deserve a fair and equal chance to build their future”.

“At a time when our economy urgently requires a skilled and educated workforce, the minister has allowed our universities to reach a position where access to higher education is being reduced rather than expanded,” he said.

“Students and families are being left in a state of uncertainty, with little clarity about what lies ahead.

“Leadership demands decisive action, not deflection and delay. Northern Ireland cannot afford to fall behind. If we are serious about growing our economy and improving social mobility, then protecting access to higher education must be a priority.”