“However, this funding came with very few strings attached, meaning that the government simply doesn’t know enough about what universities actually did with the money.  Whatever action was taken, it has made almost no difference to the number of people from poorer backgrounds enrolling on university courses and the government has little to show for its investment.” 

“Making sure talented youngsters can get a university place, regardless of their background, is a worthwhile goal but where public money is concerned, taxpayers have every right to expect results.  In future, the government must ensure that it is crystal clear about how taxpayers’ money is being used.” 

Mr Bacon was speaking as the Commons public accounts committee published its report into widening participation in higher education.  Between 2001–02 and 2007–08 the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills and the Higher Education Funding Council for England allocated £392 million of widening participation funding to higher education institutions.

The report finds that the participation of young full-time students in higher education has increased since 1999–2000, but only by two percentage points over the last four years.  Particular groups remain under-represented. Men from lower socio-economic backgrounds are significantly under-represented, particularly those from white ethnic backgrounds, as are young people living in deprived areas compared with the general population.

The report also finds that accountability for performance remains weak because the Higher Education Funding Council does not require universities to provide information on widening participation activities and expenditure.

26 February 2009

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See also:
PAC REPORT: Widening participation in higher education

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