31 May 2019 
Matt Sisson, Projects and Membership Manager
As you will have noticed, the Augar review was published last week. The full review is available on the government website, and there was lots of comment including on the BBC, the Guardian, the FT, and HEPI here and more helpfully here, among others. Predictably, the initial headlines have focused on the proposed reduction in max fee to £7,500 for 21/22, with a possible top-up for higher-cost subjects, but lots of other ground is covered.
For the most detailed analysis, the place to head to is Wonkhe, which provides an essential overview and some snazzy financial analysis of the winners and losers from the proposed changes, as well as contributions covering everything from the impact on Independent providers to the political implications.
On that final point, there are good arguments to suggest that many of the proposals in Augar might never see the bright lights of the debating chamber, owing to Theresa May’s impending departure. Those who receive Research Professional’s 8am Playbook email were treated to an explanation of why it is unlikely to be the priority of whoever succeeds the PM. Once again, uncertainty is the order of the day.
