On Tuesday 8 April, the Education Select Committee in Parliament will hold a focused evidence session on the funding crisis facing higher education.
Across the country, universities are making difficult decisions – cutting courses, making staff redundant, and trying to stay afloat amid financial uncertainty. This session will examine the pressures on institutions, including falling student numbers, the cost of pension contributions, the level of tuition fees, and the future of research funding.
Crucially, it will also look at what this means for students and staff: from the quality of teaching and pastoral care, to the potential closure or merger of institutions.
Ahead of the session, I want to hear directly from people in Newcastle-under-Lyme about how these issues are being felt locally.
Are you a student or member of staff at a university or college? Have you or someone in your family been affected by course closures or cuts? Are you concerned about what the future holds for higher education in our area?
I’ll be writing to the Committee to feed in the voices of our community and ensure your concerns help shape the national conversation.
Fill in the form below to share your views and experiences.
