'Save Social Care School' Campaign Steps Up

The campaign to save Reading University's School of Health and Social Care stepped up a gear as LibDem councillors staged a public protest against the closure.

Campaigners have received the support of the University and College Union who pointed out that the department is facing the axe despite being profitable. They joined the chorus of disapproval against the University of Reading's decision to close the school which flies in the face of government advice and said they would be "fighting these plans all the way".

On 11th March Reading University will discuss the decision before making a recommendation. The final decision will be taken at the University Council meeting on 20th March.

Meanwhile Reading Evening Post reports on the funding position of our local higher Education institutions. Vice Chancellor Professor Gordon Marshall said the budget cut of about 2% would mainly effect the University's best-performing departments.

Elsewhere a local conference will be held by Reading Voluntary Action to discuss proposals to partially privatise the provision of social care.