Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser used his time in first ministers questions to quiz Alex Salmond on the drastic cuts to college funding.
Murdo Fraser MSP asked the First Minister what the Scottish Government was doing to ensure that Scottish colleges are in a position to respond to the rise in demand for places.
During First Ministers question time Murdo Fraser asked:
“Top ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will ensure that colleges are in a position to respond to the rise in demand for student places.”
In response the First Minister Alex Salmond said:
“Despite the cuts that the UK Government is making to the block grant, we are continuing to fund colleges in a way that will allow them to maintain student numbers. Alongside that is a crucial commitment- unprecedented across these islands- that every 16 to 19-year-old in Scotland is guaranteed an offer of a suitable place in education or training through the opportunities for all programme.
Responding, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This week, we have heard the news that more than 10,000 students are on waiting lists for college places. According to John Henderson from Scotland’s Colleges, the First Minister’s Government cut the college teaching budget by 8 per cent last year and 10 per cent the year before. Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland- the First Minister is fond of quoting him- said:
“It is clear there has been a reduction in funding to colleges and no amount of sleight of hand on the part of the Government can alter that.”
Given the soaring demand for college places, will the First Minister ensure that the colleges budget is protected from any further cuts?”
Commenting afterwards, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“I wanted to raise the issue of college funding with the first minister to relay the frustrations of those students who have been anxiously waiting to hear about their futures.
“In a week where we have seen a rise in youth unemployment, it is high time to invest in our young people and not deprive them of vital training.
“The Scottish Government needs to make a sincere commitment to the college sector. We cannot allow the potential of this generation to waste away.”