“Right now in the United Kingdom a debate is under way as to whether there is a need for a government agency to stand between the higher education institutions and the government itself. In England this agency is the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), and there are equivalent bodies in Wales and Scotland; but none in Northern Ireland, where the relationship is a direct one without an intervening agency. According to a report in the journal Times Higher Education, a number of influential think tanks have recommended the abolition of HEFCE, while others (including some politicians) have argued for its retention. This may become a live issue in Ireland …” (more)
[Ferdinand von Prondzynski, University Blog, 16 July]