Colleges Scotland has welcomed a proposed 10% increase in investment in college funding announced as part of the draft Budget today. 
 
Gavin Donoghue, CEO of Colleges Scotland said: “We warmly welcome the government’s recognition of the rising cost pressures on colleges through the 10% increase in the college budget. After years of funding falling in real terms, this increase will help mitigate some of the sector’s immediate financial pressures in the next academic year, and we hope this marks a step-change in approach to investing in our colleges.
 
“We look forward to working collaboratively with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council on more detail around the capital allocations, so that we can collectively deliver a truly sustainable skills system in a modern fit for purpose college estate. 
 
“Today’s announcement does not fully restore the investment lost in our colleges over recent years, which has been cut by 20% in real terms since 2021/22. However, we hope this budget announcement turns a corner towards a more sustainable future for Scotland’s colleges.”
 
Gavin also welcomed confirmation from the Cabinet Secretary that colleges will be an instrumental part in delivering whole family support, lifting people out of poverty with opportunities to gain qualifications and training, while benefitting from the wraparound support colleges offer.
 
He said: “We also welcome the recognition of the key role of colleges as part of Scotland’s anti-poverty infrastructure, with an additional £8m projected to be made available to colleges in 2026/27. Colleges are anchor institutions in our local communities that provide places of support, hope and opportunity for all, and this funding recognises the position colleges have in helping meet our child poverty targets.