Written Statement - Report by Professor Sir Steve Smith on Higher Education Reconfiguration in South East Wales

In February 2012, my officials engaged Professor Sir Steve Smith on a consultancy basis with particular reference to HEFCW's proposals for reconfiguration in South East Wales.  My officials have now received Professor Smith's report on HEFCW's specific proposal that the University of Glamorgan, Cardiff Metropolitan and the University of Wales, Newport come together to create a single metropolitan university comparable to those in similarly sized city-regions around the UK.  

I am making Professor Smith's report publicly available.  It summarises his views following consideration of all the available evidence and meetings with all key stakeholders.  It is a clear, balanced and well-considered report and I am very grateful for Professor Smith's work on this.  His support has been invaluable.