Call for probe into college cash crisis

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Thursday 3rd Mar 2005.

Union leaders today called on education minister Kim Howells to launch an independent inquiry into the financial crisis at Bradford College.

Unison, which has 300 members employed there, has written to the minister demanding the "scandal" be investigated thoroughly.

Bradford College has a projected deficit of at least £1.3 million and is planning more than 120 redundancies among teaching and non-teaching posts as part of a restructuring plan.

The Minister was expected to receive the inquiry request today.

The union's regional officer Chris Jenkinson said: "The only way to find the truth about what has caused this scandal is for the Govern-ment minister to set up a full independent inquiry to find the culprits and put this vital educational resource for Bradford back where it should be - solvent and active in regenerating Bradford's economy.

"How can this have happened at one of the biggest further education colleges in the country?

"Who is to blame?

"These are the fundamental questions which an independent inquiry urgently needs to examine."

However, college principal Michele Sutton hit back saying: "We have had many opportunities to explain to staff and representatives why the college finds itself in the financial situation it is this year.

"We have explained it to our auditors and the Learning and Skills Council and they have all accepted the explanation we have given."

The college says relatively high levels of pay combined with an unexpected decline in student numbers and the funding they bring in caused the deficit problems.

Mrs Sutton questioned the need for an inquiry into the situation.

"I am not sure what a minister will be able to do, but he would normally consult the Learning and Skills Council and since they know what the problems are and have approved our plan I am sure they believe we are doing the right thing," she said.

"If we were to allow the deficit to develop that would be very serious for the college in the future."

Earlier this week Unison members passed a vote of no confidence in the college's managers, and are now planning an April ballot to decide on industrial action.

That action, if it goes ahead, is likely to happen on the same day as proposed action by the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education.

That union opens a strike ballot to its 500 members at the college on Tuesday.

Martyn Moss, NATFHE's regional official for the Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "I believe such a strike would almost inevitably bring the college to a standstill.

"We regret any disruption to students but people are angry at the situation they find themselves in through no fault of their own."

Archive Home