Guernsey's P&R committee warns college cuts may have wider impact
Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee (P&R) has urged deputies to "carefully consider" representations of stakeholders ahead of a debate about possible college funding cuts. The Committee for Education, Sport and Culture hopes to reallocate grants currently given to three private colleges to States-maintained schools.Grants totalled £723,000 in the 2019/20 academic year and could total about £2.85m for 2025/26.Speaking on behalf of P&R, Chief Minister Lyndon Trott said it was important islanders had confidence that "decisions made in respect of the future funding arrangements are evidence-based and informed not just by the direct financial costs but the wider strategic implications".
'Potential destabilising effect'
If deputies vote in favour of proposals as they stand, funding for the institutions - Blanchelande College, Elizabeth College and the Ladies' College - would be phased out over a five-year period.In the letter of comment, P&R said that the importance of the colleges had been well demonstrated by statements from both the Institute of Directors and the Guernsey international Business Association. Similar points were made by the colleges to deputies and were shared by the majority of non-conflicted members of the committee. Again speaking on behalf or P&R, Trott said: "Should the colleges be correct that a reduction in States' funding would result in increased fees and a potential reduction in their student numbers, concerns have been raised regarding the potential destabilising effect on the sector."The three colleges individually provide specific education offerings, which collectively complement the States' schools, and the committee would be concerned if the viability of one, or more, of the colleges was detrimentally affected."Debate is due to start in the States' chamber from Wednesday. P&R Vice-president Heidi Soulsby has recused herself from the debate as she is a member of the Ladies' College's board of governors.
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