Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) a comprehensive set of shared e-infrastructure services and (b) funding for such services are provided for the higher education sector.

The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) is a sector owned charity, independent of Government and oversees the provision of e-infrastructure in higher education.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills through HEFCE and in conjunction with other sector funders (Scottish Funding Council, Higher Education Funding Council Wales, Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland) provides funding on an annual basis to JISC in support of the development, maintenance, and support of shared e-infrastructure services for the higher education sector. In 2015-16 HEFCE has provided JISC with £21 million in core funding and £19 million in capital funding.