A NORTH East MP last night expressed his concerns over a college merger plan which he fears could lead to a "monopoly" over further education in the region.
Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell is writing to Vince Cable, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, to express his doubts over Newcastle College Group’s plans to merge with Northumberland College, in Ashington.
He said: “I am worried about what this proposal could mean for post-16 education for young people who live North of the Tyne.
“I am concerned it would give Newcastle College a monopoly and I do not think that is in the best, long-term interests of the students.
“There is no doubt Newcastle College is very successful and good at what it does, but I think partnership working and building a federation between the colleges in the region is the way forward – not mergers and takeovers.”
Mr Campbell is also concerned over the timescale over which the merger could take place.
“We have had the consultation and the secretary of state will make his decision in September, which could see Northumberland College being taken over by the beginning of next year.
“It seems a bit of a rush and it’s a bad idea to start with.”
