Written question asked by Lord Inglewood (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Young of Norwood Green (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 April 2010.

Universities: Funding

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will ask the Higher Education Funding Council for England to conduct an inquiry into the financial situation at the University of Cumbria.

Answer: All institutions in receipt of funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) are required to enter into a Financial Memorandum with the council. It sets out the duties on the institution to properly account for and deploy public funds, and where necessary for the council to provide additional to help to institutions encountering financial problems. The University of Cumbria is going through a period of restructuring at present. HEFCE is providing assistance to the university through this process. We have no reason to lack confidence in either the institution or in HEFCE's handling of the situation. A further inquiry is not therefore required at this stage.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3204; 718 c421WA
Session: 2009-10
Subjects: Finance Higher Education Funding Council for England University of Cumbria
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk