Recommendation 36

Following the UK Budget on 3 March 2021, the Scottish Government made the announcement on 24 March 2021 that teaching funding would increase by 8.1% to £1,112.4 million, which would fund “additional places created following increased applications from school leavers.”92 Responding to this announcement, Universities Scotland said: Universities welcome the increased resources allocated today by the Scottish Funding Council. The additional funding for 2020/21 is recognition of the work universities have done to support students through the pandemic. As we look beyond the pandemic, the additional funding for 2021/22 will help to support the crucial role of higher education in building an education-led recovery, with a strong focus on meeting increased demand for a university education.93