§ Dr. PughTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how much of the total sum of new funding that the Government believes universities in England require is required by universities in(a) the South East region and (b) London; [148033]
912W(2) how much of the total sum of new funding that the Government believes universities in England require is required by universities in the North West region; [148034]
(3) how much of the total sum of new funding that the Government believes universities in England require is required for (a) physical science, (b) arts and (c) social science courses. [148047]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe funding for higher education in England between 2002–03 and 2005–06 is set out in the White Paper 'the future of higher education' (Cm 5735). There are increases of over 6 per cent. Above inflation in each year so that by 2005–06 the overall funding reaches almost £10 billion.
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) allocate funds to higher education institutions according to a formula which takes account of the number and type of students at the institution, the courses they are taking, and other factors relating to the institution such as whether it has old or historic buildings. The funds are paid to institutions as a block grant and it is for the institution to decide how to spend the money.
Under our proposals for variable fees, it will be for institutions to decide the level of any fee which they charge, taking account of a number of factors, including their financial needs.