Latest figures show increases in universities' income, surpluses and reserves

UK universities' income increased by 拢915m (2.7%) between 2015/16 and 2016/17, according to  from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). During that time they made a surplus of 拢2.3bn and now have total reserves of 拢44.27bn.

The data also revealed an increase in capital expenditure, but that the proportion of money spent on staff had not improved. Compared to seven years ago, the percentage of expenditure spent on staff has fallen by 3.35%, but the percentage spent on capital expenditure has shot up by 34.9% over that period.

瓜神网 said the figures made a mockery of universities' claims that staff were a top priority. Staff in universities have seen their pay fall by around 20% since 2009, while university leaders' pay and perks have gone largely unchecked.

The union said that the figures also suggested universities paid no attention to what , as they have called for investment in staff over buildings*.

瓜神网 general secretary Sally Hunt said: 'With capital expenditure shooting up and staff costs coming down, it is clear that universities have been prioritising investment in buildings over staff. This makes a mockery of claims that staff are a top priority and also suggests they ignore what students say they want.

'While universities' income rises and they hoard huge reserves, it seems the only people to benefit are vice-chancellors whose pay and perks have long been a source of embarrassment for higher education. The time has come to address the fall in staff pay and we hope the universities will respond positively at next month's pay talks.'

Key findings:

• Total income increased by 拢915m (2.7%) and now stands at 拢35.7bn
• Surplus for the year is 拢2.3bn - which is 6.4% of income
• Income from tuition fees increased by 拢931m (5.5%)
• Net current assets up by 8.6% (拢551m) to 拢6.8bn across the sector
• Unrestricted income and expenditure reserves increased by 拢3bn (10.7%) to 拢31.6bn total
• Total reserves of 拢44.27bn - up from 拢12.33bn in 2009/10

* See which says the top three ways universities should save money according to students are:

1 Spend less on buildings
2 Spend less on sports/social facilities
3 Increase class sizes.

 Similarly, the three most unpopular options are:
1 Reduce spending on student support services
2 Fewer hours of teaching
3 Reduce spending on learning facilities