Legislation to simplify the funding system for learners at
college, university and apprentices in Scotland has been given
in-principle backing by MSPs.
They voted by 62 to 39 to endorse the general principles of the
Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance)
(Scotland) Bill, ensuring it passes Stage 1 and proceeds to Stage
2 in the Scottish Parliament.
If passed, the Bill will see responsibility for funding national
training programmes and apprenticeships move to the Scottish
Funding Council (SFC) from Skills Development Scotland
(SDS). This will consolidate responsibility for provision of
tertiary education and training within a redesigned SFC.
The Bill would also strengthen the SFC's governance powers to
allow for more effective oversight of colleges and higher
education institutions, including a greater focus on their
financial sustainability and the needs of learners.
Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said:
“At its core, this Bill would better enable funding to go where
it matters most, supporting the skills, services and innovation
that our economy and learners need to thrive.
"The Bill has been publicly backed by key sector organisations
including the Scottish Training Federation, Federation of Small
Businesses, Universities Scotland and Colleges
Scotland.
“This legislation intends to help build a more coherent,
collaborative, flexible system where colleges, universities and
training providers all play a collaborative role in delivering
high-quality education and training.”
Background
The Scottish Government's
response to the Education, Children and Young People
Committee report into the Bill shows a revised highest cost
estimate of £21.6 million, a reduction of almost £12 million.
The Bill will now progress to Stage 2 consideration by the
Education, Children and Young People Committee. If passed at
Stage 3, the SFC is expected to take up its new responsibilities
set out in the legislation from April 2027.
