43741 UniUK Patterns 8
14/8/08
Institutional chart 21 Surplus/deficit as a percentage of income, 2006/07
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Lower decile 7.3%
Median 2.3%
Upper decile -1.1%
(8.7%)
(2.1%)
(-1.3%)
25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% -5% -10% -15%
124 Since 1998/99 the median is down 1.2 percentage points, the upper decile is up 1.3 percentage points and the lower decile is down 0.1 percentage points. There is a slight improvement as compared with the figures given last year, although there are fewer outliers at the upper end. Across the sector as a whole, the median figure of a 2.3 per cent surplus continues to be quite low. 125 However, the current year out-turn is only one relevant measure, and one that should be seen in a wider context. Institutional charts 22 and 23 show two other security measures, relating to liquidity and the retention of reserves respectively. Institutional chart 22 Days ratio of net liquid assets to total expenditure, 2006/07
Lower decile 139 days
Median 62 days
(131 days)
(56 days)
Upper decile 15 days (12 days)
350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 -50
126 Since 1998/99 the median has increased by four days, while the upper decile is up by nine days and the lower decile is up by four days. The latest year’s figures show, for the first time, a modest improvement in this measure across the spectrum of institutions. 127 The days’ ratio of general funds to total expenditure is a measure of the ability of institutions to invest in the future as illustrated in institutional chart 23.
Universities UK
Patterns of higher education institutions in the UK: Eighth report
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