MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (9 March) called on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to commit to six policies ahead of the Spring Budget statement on 15 March, including on maintenance funding, health and social care training placements and research investment.
Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive if MillionPlus, said:
“Modern universities make up over half of the UK’s higher education sector, educating over a million students a year and make a huge contribution to their regional economies as anchor institutions, generating £17bn in expenditure-related gross value add as a result of their economic activity. These institutions are also drivers of social mobility and an important cog in the Government’s levelling up agenda. In addition, they train the overwhelming majority of backbone public service professionals such as nurses and teachers.
“A winter marked by industrial discord and cost of living pressures is receding and the country looks forward to sunnier times, but numerous factors are still impacting finances at a national and household level. This Spring Budget offers an opportunity for the Government to make a statement and demonstrate its seriousness when it comes to fairness, boosting public services and investing in growth.”
