The report of the Industry and Regulators Committee of the House of Lords into the Office for Students, which was published on September 13th, hits the political sweet spot.
The period of deep uncertainty and consequent political instability which has lasted since 2015 and then the Brexit referendum has given undeserved political power to extremist political minorities within both the Conservative and Labour Parties. This seemed to come to an end with the arrival of Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer at the leadership of their parties.
Now both the main parties are limbering up for what will be a tense and difficult general election probably in late 2024. Though one element of uncertainty for universities has been clarified by the re-established UK membership of the Horizon Programme this Lords report raises the most important questions for universities which will face either party in government. The report is possibly the most excoriating parliamentary report in the last decade in relation to any governmental institution. It makes retention of the status quo impossible. So what can be predicted?
First the government’s response to this report, due to be published later this year, is unlikely to have any real substance. The issues are too great to be resolved in the short term and there is insufficient time between then and the general election for the current government to fully address the criticisms and concerns of the committee.
