The Scottish Government has been criticised for failing to allocate sufficient funding to colleges in the draft Budget unveiled today. Ministers have pledged less than half of the £25 million required to address rising inflationary costs, leaving Scotland’s 24 colleges struggling with a persistent 17% real-terms funding cut since 2021/22.

Alarmingly, the Budget neglects critical issues, such as replacing crumbling RAAC concrete in seven colleges, reinstating a vital employer training scheme, and investing in improved classrooms and digital resources for students.

The draft Budget proposes a 1.8% increase in college funding - falling well short of the 3.2% inflation rate.

Dr Graeme Jackson, Interim CEO of Colleges Scotland, expressed his deep concern: “This draft Budget fails to recognise the vital role colleges play in driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and strengthening communities. While additional resources for the NHS and commitments to a greener economy are welcome, these ambitions hinge on the capacity of colleges to upskill and support the workforce - capacity this Budget undermines.

“Leaving colleges millions of pounds short is unacceptable. Leaders across Scotland’s 24 colleges have already been forced to make painful cuts to jobs, classrooms, and infrastructure. The Scottish Government’s continued disinvestment in such a cornerstone of the education and skills sector is deeply troubling.

“Colleges Scotland will keep fighting for increased funding before the Budget is finalised in the Scottish Parliament.

“College students, employers, and communities deserve better.”