Unions publish open letter opposing cuts to Higher Education performing arts subjects

Bectu has joined with Equity UK, University and College Union, Writers Guild of Great Britain, Musicians Union, Unison and Unite to oppose proposed funding cuts to creative and performative arts subjects in the Higher Education Teaching Grant budget for 2021–2022.

The letter follows a suggestion from the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson that funding for higher education arts subjects in England should be halved because they are not “strategic priorities”.

The letter calls on government to reconsider the impact of the 2021-2022 T-Grant budget and the consequences that further proposed reductions of future years will cause for the creative and education sectors. We urge the Government to ensure that the proposed plans for Higher Education “reform” does not make creative training less accessible in practice.

Head of Bectu, Philippa Childs, said:

“It is extremely disappointing to see the arts devalued in this way. The arts make a vital contribution to the economy and the social fabric of the country, and it's high time this was recognised by the government. I am pleased to have joined my union colleagues in signing this letter."