Questions remain “unanswered” over education bill

THE Scottish Government has been urged to withdraw legislation aimed at reforming the country’s college and university sector.

The Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill was heavily criticised by the SNP administration’s opponents during a stage one debate in Holyrood.

It proposes “college regionalisation” and sets out plans to widen access to universities and limit tuition fees for university students coming from the rest of the UK.

But opposition parties described the Bill as “badly drafted” and that questions about the proposals it contains remain unanswered.

The legislation has the “qualified support” of Holyrood’s Education Committee, however members called for more information about the new college structures, reform of college boards and measures for widening access.

Speaking in the debate, Labour’s Neil Findlay said: “While the aims of the Bill we would largely agree with, the Bill itself is badly drafted, ill-defined, clumsy and a confused piece of legislation. Anyone who reads the committee report would see this.

“Question after question after question remain, and a far greater degree of clarity is needed.”

Organisations from the college and university sector, all three opposition parties on the Education Committee and SNP members on the committee “have all raised repeated and serious questions about the Bill”.

Mr Findlay called on the Government to withdraw the Bill and return with one which the “sector can support”.

Education Secretary Michael Russell described the legislation as “necessary and essential”.

Evidence gathered by the Education Committee shows “strong support” for the principles behind the legislation, “in stark contrast to the impression created by opposition members”, he told MSPs.

“The clear message I am hearing from learners, staff and institutions is that the principles and policy objectives identified are the right ones.

“Today we talk about those general principles (of the Bill). That is our focus. Looking ahead, I encourage all members, whether they are on the committee or not, to come forward with suggestions to help us to achieve a better Bill.”