Fears over further cuts to college

Commenting on the news that Scottish Government funding for colleges will be reduced by 24% local MSP Duncan McNeil expressed his fears that there will be further cuts to come at James Watt.

A recent report produced by Audit Scotland states that Scottish Government funding for colleges is expected to reduce by £74million from £545 million in 2011/12 to £471 million in 2014/15.

The report also states that colleges will be expected to use their resources to help fund the Scottish Government’s merger plans. Colleges face additional pressures including costs associated with building maintenance and rising energy costs.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil said:

“Our local college has already been hit hard by government cuts and I fear there are more on the way. Not only is the college facing a potential reduction in grant funding it may also be expected to help fund the cost of the Scottish government’s forced merger plans as well as having to deal with the additional demands of maintenance costs and rising energy costs”

“In the end something will have to give and I am concerned that ultimately the quality of the educational experience at James Watt will be reduced as we see job losses as well as a lessening of the choices and services available for students”