Financial problems blight Scots colleges

Thirteen of Scotland's 47 further education colleges have serious financial problems, accounting for almost 70 per cent of the sector's operating deficit, according to John Sizer, chief executive of the new Scottish Further Education Funding Council. This year's deficit could top Pounds 22 million, with a forecast deficit of almost Pounds 12 million for 1999-2000. Professor Sizer was this week questioned by the Scottish parliament's audit committee during its examination of the National Audit Office's report on the colleges' financial health. He said SFEFC was monitoring the recovery plans of up to eight colleges particularly closely.