Sharon Dowey MSP has called on the Scottish Government to properly fund Scottish colleges in a speech to Parliament.
The MSP highlighted the financial difficulties faced by Ayrshire College, with a total of £2.5 million of savings expected to be made in 2025/26. She also highlighted the excellent work of the staff and students, and noted that the college “thrives, in spite of the near impossible environment it’s being expected to work in.”
She raised concerns over the impact the expected savings would have and branded the UK Labour Government’s National Insurance rises as “ridiculous”.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Sharon Dowey said: “There is simply no way that Ayrshire College can be expected to make these savings, without there being serious implications for people and businesses in Ayrshire."
Ayrshire College and others like it are anchor institutions, with broad reaching arms. They provide, not just qualifications that can bring people into gainful employment, but social and practical skills, that can be a catalyst for helping people lift themselves out of poverty. It is vital, that more support, not less, is provided to our Further Education institutes."
“It is time for this Government to listen to colleges and listen to the industry.”
You can see Sharon Dowey MSP’s speech in the Chamber here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15vnccALa5/
