Higher Education Institutions: Spending

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Excerpts

Thursday 27th June 2019 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

That is certainly being discussed by the Government and various stakeholders, particularly the OfS. It is worth pointing out that teaching and research represents 49.2% of total higher education institute spending, which totals £31.3 billion. The teaching grant to which the noble Lord referred represents £1.4 billion in funding in 2018-19.

[Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con)]

My Lords, can my noble friend confirm that the independence of the Augar review was compromised by the Treasury insisting that none of its recommendations should result in increased public expenditure?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

I certainly cannot confirm that; it is the first I have heard of it. After this Question I will follow the issue up with my noble friend and find out where he got that information.