Dear gair rhydd,

The cuts to humanities provisions at Cardiff University’s Lifelong Learning Centre are deeply worrying, and Plaid Cymru is opposing them. I have raised the cuts this week at the Assembly during questions to the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan. Lifelong Learning is the community aspect of the University and the courses on offer enable adults and mature students to access education.

In particular, the Humanities courses help to achieve the Welsh Government’s commitments towards bilingualism, Welsh culture and transferable skills. I have always viewed the growth of the Lifelong Learning Centre as a notable success of the first decade of devolution.

Through my involvement in the Workers’ Educational Association I have seen how mature students can have their lives significantly improved by enjoying access to education at an older age, and I am deeply concerned that these kinds of opportunities will be reduced in Cardiff and further afield because of these cuts.

Aside from the educational implications of these cuts, the trade unions have warned that 150 posts could be lost. The University’s stance is remarkable at a time when their leading executives have accepted huge pay rises, with the Vice Chancellor earning more than the Prime Minister and, indeed, our own First Minister. Although the Lifelong Learning Centre will still exist after these cuts, the quality of provision will be greatly reduced.

My colleague Leanne Wood AM is investigating the equal opportunities implications of these cuts, which will disproportionately affect women. In the meantime, Plaid Cymru will continue to campaign alongside the trade unions and other parties who are opposed to this disappointing and drastic cuts programme.

Chris Franks AM

Plaid Cymru, South Wales Central