Disabled access law will cost unis millions

Universities and colleges face a multi-million pound bill to meet new legislation on disabled student access.

Education secretary David Blunkett announced this week that he will bring forward legislation to ensure equal access for students in further and higher education. It means a new statutory code of practice on access enforceable through the courts.

The college sector has estimated that it could cost Pounds 150 million to make colleges accessible. Universities are likely to need a similar sum.