The vice-chancellor of Cardiff University has been asked to give evidence on proposed cuts to the Senedd committee responsible for scrutinising education. Buffy Williams, chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee has written to Professor Wendy Larner asking her to appear before the committee to answer questions.

In a letter seen by WalesOnline, Ms Williams says the committee has "taken an interest" in her statement about the proposed cuts and the responses to that. She says that the committee wants to discuss what led to the proposals, the concerns around them and final plans. You can read more about the proposals here.

Cardiff University's "shellshock" suggested cuts include the loss of 400 academic jobs and the closure of the schools of music, nursing and modern foreign languages in the face of a £31m deficit, which they university has said would be as much as £65m if action wasn't taken. The university is currently in a 90-day consultation period on the plans. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here

The UCU is balloting members on possible industrial action and there has been opposition to the plans from across the world of the arts, science and medicine. Universities across Wales warn of a combined deficit of £70m as they come under pressure from inflation, static home tuition fees and a fall in numbers of higher paying international students.

In her letter to Professor Larner Buffy Williams says: "As the committee of the Senedd with responsibility for scrutiny of policy and legislation relating to education, we have taken a close interest in your statement of 28 January and the response to that statement from various stakeholders.

"We note that the proposals announced on 28 January are subject to a formal 90-day consultation. We also note that you anticipate that the specific proposals will be refined and developed over the next 90 days as a result of that consultation process.

"We therefore request that you appear before committee to give evidence in public soon after the formal consultation has ended. We would like to discuss with you the steps leading to your announcement on 28 January, the concerns raised by various stakeholders in relation to your proposals, and how the consultation period had shaped the final plans, which you anticipate will be approved by University Council in June 2025."

It is suggested the Professor Larner comes to give a one-hour evidence session in May. Cardiff University was approached for comment.

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