Neil Findlay

2 Jun 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Funding Council in relation to the rationalisations taking place across the higher education and further education sector.

Answer · Michael Russell: As the body which oversees the funding and provision of further and higher education in Scotland, the Scottish Government looks to the Scottish Funding Council to provide expert advice to ministers on all aspects relating to the future strategic direction of …

2 Jun 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether withdrawing courses in geography, sociology, community education and music at the University of Strathclyde will result in a reduction in its funding from the Scottish Funding Council.

Answer · Michael Russell: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-467 on 10 June 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/…

2 Jun 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed with the higher education sector and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) if withdrawing subjects or departments will result in a reduction of funding provided to universities by the SFC.

Answer · Michael Russell: It is up to the individual institutions to decide which courses to run from the block teaching grant provided by the Scottish Funding Council for most subjects. Any change in course provision within those subject areas does not result in all cases in a reduct…

2 Jun 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding was provided to each university by the Scottish Funding Council in the last five years.

Answer · Michael Russell: This information is in the public domain and can be found by accessing the Scottish Funding Council’s website at http://www.sfc.ac.uk.

26 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure the provision of all subject areas in the (a) higher and (b) further education sector.

Answer · Michael Russell: Successive Scottish ministers have had no statutory locus for determining provision in universities or colleges. The Scottish Funding Council is the body charged in law with ensuring coherent provision in both sectors.

26 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has (a) discussed and (b) recommended that all (i) higher and (ii) further education institutions involved in rationalisation programmes have ensured that an inclusive, open and participative consultation process took place at each institution.

Answer · Michael Russell: We have made it clear that we expect all higher and further education institutions to be open and transparent about proposals for rationalisation, ensuring that the views of academics, staff, unions and students are taken fully into account before any final d…

26 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with West Lothian College regarding the reduction in staff taking place.

Answer · Alasdair Allan: The Scottish Government maintains regular dialogue with Scotland’s colleges, which is the representative body of the sector. All colleges, including West Lothian College, are having to operate within a reduced budget as a result of the reduction by the UK Gov…

26 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure open, transparent and accountable governance in the (a) higher and (b) further education sector.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Funding Council is responsible for ensuring that the higher education institutions and colleges which it funds have suitable provision in relation to their governance and management, and undertakes an annual review of institutions to ensure they …

26 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments it has made of the impact on the quality of (a) teaching and (b) education of the budget reductions being made in the (i) higher and (ii) further education sector.

Answer · Michael Russell: Despite the cuts imposed on our budget by the UK government, we are continuing to make substantial investments in our colleges and universities, and are committed to maintaining the excellence of their learning and teaching.

26 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed with management at West Lothian College what impact the staff reductions will have on its educational provision.

Answer · Alasdair Allan: The Scottish Government maintains regular dialogue with Scotland’s Colleges, which is the representative body of the sector. All colleges, including West Lothian College, are having to operate within a reduced budget as a result of the reduction by the UK Gov…

26 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had at (a) management, (b) trade union and (c) student level in the (i) higher and (ii) further education sector in relation to the rationalisation taking place.

Answer · Michael Russell: Ministers and officials engage regularly with a range of bodies and institutions which have an interest in the higher education and college sectors, including universities, colleges and their representative bodies and with trade unions and NUS Scotland.

23 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has to protect the residents of care homes run by Southern Cross Healthcare if the company goes into administration.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-176 on 2 June 2011. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/D…

23 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has to take care of residents of private care homes that are forced to close down.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: COSLA chairs a national contingency planning group for adult care. This group will shortly issue national guidance on managing care home closures that include protocols for the handling of care and support to individual residents and their carers throughout…

23 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many older people reside in care homes.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: At 31 March 2010 there were 33,941 residents in care homes for older people.

23 May 2011 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Southern Cross Healthcare regarding its financial situation.

Answer · Nicola Sturgeon: Scottish Government Officials met with Jamie Buchan, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross, on 29 March 2011 and then again on 18 April 2011. At both meetings representatives of COSLA and the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Agency were present. We…

1 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how the weighted student units of measurement methodology was used to calculate the levels of financial support provided to each college.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: No. Any such ban would contravenefree trade rules and would be illegal under EU law.</p>