Capital's universities hit by below-average increase in grants

Universities in the capital are getting below-average increases in grants from the taxpayer this year.

Higher education funding chiefs announced today that universities throughout the country will share a £7.476 billion in 2008-9, a 3.3 per cent increase on last year.

But many in London stand to get far less than that, despite facing the highest overheads in the country.

Innovation, Universities and Skills Secretary John Denham said: "This increased investment will ensure that universities and colleges have the resources they need to continue widening participation and reaching out to new talent by working more closely with schools and employers."

Universities facing real-terms decreases this year include the London School of Economics, which has seen its grant rise by just 1.6 per cent to £27.96 million.

Others in the same situation include Brunel University, which has been awarded a 1.2 per cent increase to £44.8 million, Goldsmith's College (up 2.1 per cent to £26.25 million) and the University of East London (up 1.1 per cent to £42.9 million).

University College London receives a 2.7 per cent increase to £170.4 million, which just keeps it ahead of inflation but behind much of the sector.