NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 1 October 2009 EQUAL TREATMENT FOR RURAL COLLEGES FUNDING There was success for rural colleges after Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser successfully amended a Scottish Government motion in the Scottish Parliament to ensure fair treatment during funding allocations. In the Debating Chamber on the Scottish Government’s debate ‘Role of Colleges in the Economic Recovery’ today (1 October), Murdo Fraser successfully amended the Scottish Government’s motion to include a pledge to encourage the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council to recognise the particular needs of colleges in rural areas when allocating funds to the sector. This also means that the unique circumstances of rural colleges and colleges that serve rural communities, such as Perth College, must be taken into consideration in future by the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council. In the Chamber, Murdo Fraser said: “I am sure that all members are aware of the excellent work done by the college sector in their areas in terms of providing skills and training to the local workforce. I am pleased that additional funds have been allocated by the Scottish Funding Council throughout this year to support the work in our colleges reflecting increasing demand. As a result of Barnett consequentials some £12m was announced in September 2009 for the college sector and this was targeted at 16 colleges deemed to be serving the communities most in need. “Many of the colleges which have lost out have been those serving rural areas, including colleges in Angus, Perth, Banff & Buchan, the Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, and many other locations. “The pressures felt in these areas are no different from the pressures felt in the urban areas where the colleges which benefited from this additional funding have benefited. Small towns in Scotland see growing unemployment and associated growing problems and they should not be forgotten about by the Government or the Funding Council when it comes to allocation of resources. “I appreciate that the Funding Council has operational independence, but nevertheless they do act with Scottish Government guidance and our amendment therefore urges the Scottish Government to encourage the Funding Council to ensure fair treatment of rural colleges.” After the debate, Murdo continued: “This is a victory for our rural colleges as the Scottish Government and the Funding Council will now acknowledge the particular needs that they require and the unique circumstances in the way that they serve their communities. Our rural colleges deserve fair treatment during funding allocations and I hope that Perth College and other rural colleges will benefit in the future as a result of the Scottish Conservative amendment in the Scottish Parliament. “Perth College is extremely important to Perth and Perthshire and it is an excellent institution. I want to see Perth College continue to be the great success that it is and I commend all the staff and students for work and dedication.” ENDS   back to top of page