Cross purposes

Treasury priorities could damage public trust in universities, writes Alison Goddard.

The quirks of government accounting rules rather than rational consideration are driving higher education policy in England, according to a report published today by the Higher Education Policy Institute. Andrew McGettigan, a freelance writer, argues that efforts to eliminate the deficit, which excludes student loans, are focussed on reducing the national debt, which does include them. The BBC says that graduates may face tougher loan terms. We have a report, available only to full subscribers to HE, which examines how a predicted shortfall in repayment receipts is being exacerbated by selling off the student-loan book and a failure to update inflation rates. Dr McGettigan reckons the impact on universities could range from a huge financial hit to a complete collapse in public confidence.

Many academic staff on zero-hours contracts struggle to pay household bills, according to a survey by the University and College Union. The BBC says that too many (what, precisely, is the right number here?) people find it hard to make ends meet. We have a report, available only to full subscribers to HE, which reveals that a third of those who responded (and the trade union only surveyed those who were already involved in its anti-casualisation campaign) said they had difficulties meeting rent or mortgage payments and one in five had experienced problems buying food.