Colleges face performance-related funding cuts

Colleges face further cuts to funding if they fail to meet a range of targets, under controversial government proposals.

A Higher Education Authority (HEA) document published today sets out a blueprint for the third-level sector, including the possible closure of smaller state-funded colleges or their incorporation into larger ones.

It also proposes setting strategic targets that may be perceived as a threat to the autonomy of third level institutions. College bosses have already complained that government restrictions on recruitment are interfering with their academic freedom. Fears of a focus on economic requirements could worsen tensions.