Mandelson and spending cuts

THOUGH his words will be viewed with trepidation, Peter Mandelson has, at least, set the record straight by revealing that the cuts inuniversity spending will have to be replicated across the public sector.

This candour has certainly not been forthcoming from the Prime Minister. Perhaps the Business Secretary was motivated by the fact that he was addressing the very university leaders and academics who have been so critical of his approach, and that he needed to placate them.

Either way, public spending is going to contract – and every sphere of policy will have to face a sustained period of austerity after the election.

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Yet, thus far, the spending debate has been characterised by the use of the word "cuts" – and which party can make the most savings in the shortest possible time.

It has not been about how more can be achieved with less so the aspirations of people like aspiring university students can be met during this financial crisis.

This is epitomised by the spending struggle within higher education, and the decision by some university staff in Leeds to take industrial action.

The paucity of jobs is one reason universities across Yorkshire are

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facing record admission numbers. After all, they are always being told

by politicians of all persuasions that sound qualifications are

essential in today's global economy.

Lord Mandelson's advice to rejected candidates to seek an

apprenticeship, or college places, will not wash with some. Why should they accept second best?

Yet, for those fortunate enough to qualify for university, the problems

do not end here.

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These students are supposed to be the country's future backbone.

However, they will be expected to strive for excellence in larger

classes, and with less academic support. They will also have to pay for this through higher tuition fees. Is this right?

For once, Lord Mandelson's remarks may have been driven by realism, rather than expediency, but they still leave Britain – and prospective students – no nearer to solving budget difficulties that are only

just beginning.