Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (17 November) commented on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“I am pleased that the Chancellor has heeded calls to protect R&D expenditure and that levelling up remains a priority. MillionPlus represents universities from the south west, to the Black Country to the Highlands and Islands, that produce the translational and impactful research that makes a difference in the regions in which they are based.

“With higher education poised and central to developing and addressing the skills needs in the UK’s workforce, we look forward to working with Sir Michael Barber and the Government in its skills reform programme, including the establishment of the lifelong loan entitlement, as it ramps up next year.

“The cost-of-living crisis continues to cut into university and personal finances and I remain deeply concerned that the further measures that MillionPlus identified to insulate students from rising prices have not been adopted and students therefore remain excluded from cost-of-living payments for individuals. Jeremy Hunt is correct in his assessment that investment in education is investment in growth and it would be tragic if the cost of living is the barrier which stops someone taking the opportunity to study and boost their skills.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. MillionPlus’s ‘Learning with the lights off: students and the cost-of-living crisis’ policy briefing is available here
3. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
4. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
5. Modern universities: facts and stats 2022