The price of governance

The decision by half of the board of 12 at Leeds Met to pay themselves a total 22,250 is extraordinary, given the cavalier use of public money under the previous vice-chancellor, Simon Lee. Such largesse takes little heed of the long-term problems at the university or the financial difficulties now facing the higher education sector in general.

It was only a matter of weeks ago that an official report found that they had failed to control an extravagant spending spree driven by Mr Lee. Now some of these same people, who were subject to criticism, are taking thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money in return for their lax performance. They made poor decisions, such as approving the

deal to acquire Leeds's professional rugby union club, which ended up costing the university 10m, just part of the 22m total committed to sponsoring professional sport.

The system of payments is in itself highly controversial, with Leeds Met believed to be the only university which remunerates its governors in this way. Such unease is reflected by the difference of opinion on the board and, as such, it may not survive for much longer, with the July governance review having asked questions about its "principles".

There is no good reason for paying university governors when Britain is undergoing far-reaching financial cuts. They already have their expenses covered and that should be sufficient in this age of austerity.

Since Mr Lee's departure more than 18 months ago, Leeds Met has taken steps to change the way it manages its finances. That process is still going on, however, and its credibility would be at risk if tens of thousands of pounds were paid to governors. The six individuals taking the money must think again.