What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the UK Government about the higher education sector, in light of the confirmation by the Minister for Further and Higher Education that the proposed rise in tuition fees will offset the cost of the UK Government's national insurance increase?
My announcement to increase the value of tuition fee caps in Wales is in response to the continued inflationary pressures experienced by our Welsh higher education institutions. Increasing these caps for the 2025/26 academic year for full-time undergraduate courses will enable our Welsh institutions to charge fees that reflect some of these cost pressures.
I want to work closely with the new UK Government on developing a funding system for higher education that is sustainable and works for our universities, students, and staff. I am keen to discuss these matters with Baroness Smith, the Minister of State, and hope to meet her soon.