PLAID CYMRU RENEW CALLS FOR A WHOLESALE REVIEW OF WELSH UNIVERSITY FUNDING
PLAID CYMRU RENEW CALLS FOR A WHOLESALE REVIEW OF WELSH UNIVERSITY FUNDING
Cefin Campbell MS – “This Labour Welsh Government is burying its head in the sand, talking around the issue rather than addressing the crisis facing our universities head on.”
Following Cardiff University’s announcement that they have reduced the number of proposed job losses (Thursday, 10 April 2025) but still face axing 286 jobs, Plaid Cymru have renewed their calls for a review of the Welsh university funding model as the only way of placing the sector ‘on a sustainable footing for the future’.
In recent months, a number of Welsh universities have announced proposals to cut jobs and courses as part of necessary cost saving measures. In response, Cefin Campbell MS, Plaid Cymru’s Education spokesperson has led the call for action, repeatedly urging the Welsh Government to work cross party and with the sector to agree a sustainable future model for Wales’ higher education institutions.
Cefin Campbell MS and Plaid Cymru’s Education spokesperson said:
“Despite the welcome news that fewer jobs and courses will be cut at Cardiff University, it is clear as day that there remains an elephant in the room – our universities face an impossibly unsustainable financial situation, and something has to change. The Welsh Labour Government must commit to a wholesale review of Welsh university funding to address this issue, it is both urgent and vital if we are to put the sector on a firm footing for the future.
“Such a review should be a collective effort on the part of all those who care about staff, learners and our educational institutions.
“The latest information based on university financial statements for 2023-24 show the sector reporting a deficit of around £70m. That is before taking into account more recent pressures such as National Insurance contributions that have now come into effect. Doing nothing cannot be an option.”
The Welsh Government Minister with responsibility for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, has so far refused to engage with the Plaid Cymru proposal, despite warnings from the sector about the precarious financial position of universities in Wales, and financial statements for 2023-24 show the sector reporting a deficit of around £70m.
A review of the university funding model should focus on the structural future of the Welsh universities network, financial support for students, and a future funding model for the sector.
Cefin Campbell MS added:
“It’s deeply regrettable that the Minister has so far refused to engage with us on this issue – this Labour Welsh Government is burying its head in the sand, talking around the issue rather than addressing it head on. That’s why Plaid Cymru is once again urging the Welsh Government to work cross party and with higher education to agree a sustainable model for the future.
“A review must be focused on three main strands – the structural future of the Welsh universities network, financial support for students, and a future funding model for the sector.
“I’m clear that this should also include looking again at schemes such as Seren which sees many of Wales’s brightest students leaving to study elsewhere, and proposals to encourage and incentivise school-leavers to pursue their education at Welsh universities.
“Our universities play a vital nation building role and provide a wealth of opportunities for our young people. Students, their parents, lecturers, and other university staff deserve decision makers to act - nothing should be off the table. I ask again for this Welsh Labour Government to act, for the future of our universities across Wales.”