South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has demanded answers from the Scottish Government about the impact of funding cuts on colleges.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament last week, the local MSP asked the Scottish Government what its response is to reported concerns raised by Colleges Scotland that the role of colleges is being damaged by relentlessly falling budgets.

Colin Smyth continued: “Borders College recently wrote to MSPs to highlight the fact that it has had to cut student activity levels, reduce modern apprenticeships and turn away students who have applied for important subjects, such as construction and engineering, because of cuts in college funding.

“It has also had to reduce upskilling opportunities due to “the … removal of the Flexible Workforce Development Fund” and has warned that “in line with many other colleges, Borders College will see increased financial deficits in the coming years.”

“If our college sector is being properly funded, as the minister seems to imply, why is it that Borders College, Audit Scotland and Colleges Scotland are saying something different?”

Speaking after the question session, Colin Smyth added: “Our colleges are under serious pressure and are simply unable to provide the same levels of service because of falling budgets.

“However, this isn’t just about figures looking bad on paper, it is having a serious impact on young people and their futures.

“The reports from Borders College are extremely worrying and I will continue to raise this issue with the Scottish Government.”

Since 2021-22, colleges have seen revenue funding drop by 17% in real terms, a significant and accelerating decline, meaning a reduction in opportunities for the individuals and the businesses who rely on us. As a result, Borders College had its student activity levels cut by 10% in 2023-24, with a 13% reduction in modern apprenticeship numbers. The complete removal of the Flexible Workforce Development Fund also means businesses no longer have access to vital upskilling support through the college.

This year, funding cuts resulted in Borders College turning away 84 students who applied for construction and engineering courses because the college didn’t have the capacity to teach them. Additionally, the college were unable to introduce new provision in, for example, civil engineering or to increase capacity in healthcare to alleviate pressure in the local NHS. As it stands the college are concerned that they will see increased financial deficits in the coming years.