23 November 2007
Scottish government ministers are under pressure to amend their £30bn budget, following a row over university funding.
Opposition political parties are discussing ways of getting a better deal for the universities, which say they face a shortfall of £136m following last week's budget.
The universities put in a bid for a cash-terms increase of £252m but received £116m. When inflation is taken into account, the universities argue that they are receiving a rise of just 3%, against the 15% they sought.
Former permanent secretary Sir Muir Russell, convener of Universities Scotland, said: 'We are concerned that it may weaken our competitive position relative to universities in England.'
Labour disclosed that it is talking to other Opposition parties to try to win concessions for the universities.
The budget needs to be approved by the Parliament and any changes must be endorsed by two committees and then put to MSPs.
Rhona Brankin, Labour's education spokeswoman, said: 'Given the woefully poor settlement… we'll be looking at working with other parties.'
PFnov2007
