University budget fight under way

Last night’s full Oldham Council meeting

CROSS-PARTY support was given to a motion to fight back against proposed government cuts to the university budget and an increase in tuition fees.

Councillor Glenys Butterworth said: “Oldham’s children and young people are being attacked on all fronts by swinging cuts imposed by the coalition.

“Michael Gove and his cohort Vince Cable seem hell bent on destroying the future of our young people. Oldham was well on the way with its BSF programme, a future intended to enable young people’s aspirations by offering education in an environment of safe, secure and modern fit for purpose buildings.

“These attacks will affect pupils at every level of their school life from primary to higher education. We don’t want university to become something that is just for the middle and upper classes.”

Councillor Kay Knox said: “There is a lot of agreement between the parties on this issue.

“Things are changing on a daily basis and it is difficult to make decisions on things that may or may not happen. We are in serious financial difficulty and we are in for some decisions that will hurt but we can’t carry on spending. Education standards in Oldham have gone up year on year and we are expecting our best results yet this year. We are expecting that no schools will fall below the national targets this year. We are proud of all our achievements.”

Council leader Howard Sykes added: “There are things we need to look at in terms of education provision. There are achievements we should be proud of but now is not the time for complacency. Now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. There is still a long way to go.”

Councillors unanimously agreed a motion to call upon the government to reconsider their intention to cut £200 million from the university budget, review plans to increase student’s fees and undertake a Comprehensive Spending Review.