Welsh university 'has no God-given right to exist'

CARDIFF University "has no God-given right to exist", has been kept afloat by higher paying international students and had no choice but to propose wide-spread cuts, the chair of its council body has told Senedd Members.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK

In a spirited defence of the university's much-criticised savings plan Patrick Younge told a Senedd committee that costs were rising and income dropping and the institution must "live within its means".

Mr Younge and the university's vice chancellor Professor Wendy Larner were being grilled by MSs a week before the final proposal goes before the council on June 17.

The university is now looking to shed 69 full-time academic posts with hundreds already gone through voluntary severance since the cuts were announced in Janaury.

The ancient history, religion and theology departments remain earmarked for closure but nursing, modern languages and music will now stay, although they will be smaller, the university had already announced.

"We have managed to keep going through the additional surplus income from international students. The system is at tipping point.

"If you don't address the fundamentals all Welsh universities will go through this year after year.

"Income is not rising, expenses are," Mr Younge told the children, young people and education committee.

Reminded by MSs that the controversial savings proposal had affected the university's reputation in and beyond Wales, Mr Younge and Prof Larner said they had no regrets about how they ran and communicated the savings consultation, which has gained attention from high profile stars including Sir Elton John and Harry Styles.