CHANCELLOR’s RHETORIC CAN’T BE FAULTED

Save British Science today welcomed the Chancellor’s strong rhetoric about science in his Budget, but warned that on one area – university funding – the government may still be underestimating the size of the problem.

“Right at the start, Gordon Brown said he wants to make Britain a great place for science,” said Dr Peter Cotgreave, Director of SBS, “and he talked about the need for the UK to show long-term leadership in science. He wants to strengthen research-based and knowledge-based businesses, and wants to cut back on red tape in those areas.”

“We were particularly happy that the Chancellor said that small, innovative companies will get a guaranteed share of government procurement contracts. We have been calling for this since before the last election, and asked again in advance of this budget. It seems he has finally listened.

“We were delighted to hear Mr Brown say that he will enhance the R&D tax credit, because this scheme will take a long time to make a difference, so it’s good to see him holding his nerve in the meantime.

“Science-based industry is the key to the nation’s future success - anything he can do to support it is an investment in our future.

“The Chancellor was certainly on the right track when he said that he wants new incentives for funding universities; again we called earlier this month for him to make it more attractive for alumni and private industry to make donations. We look forward to the details of his new initiative.

“But the funding gap in universities is massive; if the government is serious about delivering the skills the UK needs, universities will need much more money than the public purse can afford. He might want to consider removing the cap on tuition fees, as long as he can find ways of guaranteeing that access to university will remain dependent on academic ability, not ability to pay.”

For further information, contact Peter Cotgreave on 07958 570591.