The University of York has responded to claims that over £1.2 million was spent extending the vice chancellor Charlie Jeffery’s office into the Information Centre, saying it is a “piece of the jigsaw”.
The university has undergone budget cuts across multiple departments in the last year.
This spend raises concerns amongst students and staff that student facing services are being disproportionately affected.
In August, staff union UNISON revealed the university was aiming to make £1 million of savings by cutting student support services. This would affect 24 hour welfare staff, campus safety teams and careers staff. The union warned these changes would compromise student safety and well-being, calling the plan a “false economy.”
The £1.2 million reportedly spent on the vice chancellor’s office exceeds the £1 million the university is attempting to save through these cuts, leading many to question the university’s priorities.
Earlier this summer, The Tab York reported the closure of both the Centre for Lifelong Learning and King’s Manor, with the university blaming high running costs, accessibility issues and the wider financial climate for the closures.
The vice chancellor previously said £15 million in savings needed to be made before the end of the financial year. In 2024, 270 jobs were cut through voluntary severance, saving a reported £34 million.
In a statement to The York Tab, the University defended the recent spend, saying the office extension formed part of a wider programme of estate improvements. A spokesperson said: “The investment forms part of several improvements across campus,” adding “it’s a piece of the jigsaw and this investment is relatively small in the context of other larger capital projects on campus, for instance, £2.2m for Heslington Hall including lifts to improve accessibility, and almost £30m upgrading student accommodation.”
They highlighted examples of other recent investments, including £2.2 million of works at Heslington Hall, and almost £30 million spent upgrading student accommodation. The university also linked the investment to long term savings, explaining that the move away from King’s Manor was designed “to make savings and invest on campus.”
Heslington Hall image via Google Maps
The spokesperson added: “Many of the buildings on our estate are ageing and need significant investment to meet needs, essential upgrades to building infrastructure and better IT connectivity.”
With unions warning of cuts to essential services and the office’s cost outweighing proposed savings, the investment is likely to remain controversial among students and staff.
Featured image via Google Maps
