Rennie calls on Yousaf to apologise for college cuts

North East Fife MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie has called on Humza Yousaf to apologise for years of cuts to colleges when he addresses the Colleges Scotland conference later today [Wednesday 24th April 2024].

Figures from the Scottish Funding Council show that the SNP cut resource funding for colleges by 4.8% in the 2024-25 budget. This followed a report by Audit Scotland which showed a real-terms reduction in funding of 8.5% over the previous two financial years.

Last year also saw ministers strip colleges of £26 million which had been promised in the previous budget. The funds were intended to help the college sector implement ‘strategic change’.

Willie Rennie said:

“The first thing Humza Yousaf should do when he addresses the college sector today is apologise. The SNP has imposed year after year of cuts on Scotland’s colleges, forcing them to make difficult decisions to balance their books.

“The SNP’s neglect of further education has contributed to our wider economic malaise and it makes clear that ministers do not see colleges, their staff and students as a priority.

“Colleges have a key role to play in providing people with the skills they need to flourish in key sectors like insulating homes, food and drink, tourism, social care and nursery education. Scotland won’t reach its economic potential without a thriving college sector.”