CONTROVERSIAL changes to the way Scottish universities are run have come a step closer.

The Scottish Parliament's education committee backed amendments to the Scottish Higher Education Bill which is currently under scrutiny.

Last month, ministers backtracked over some of the new laws amid fears they would lead to greater ministerial interference in the sector.

However, there is still confusion over plans to introduce new paid, elected chairs of universities' powerful ruling Courts because Scotland's ancient institutions already have elected rectors who chair Court.

Despite the concerns Angela Constance, the Education Secretary, rejected opposition amendments which would have made the Bill more acceptable to the higher education sector.

Liz Smith, the young people spokeswoman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: "Despite the fact the Bill remains an utter shambles the SNP are intent on pressing ahead with deeply damaging reforms which will undermine the effective working of our higher education institutions.

“Instead of respecting the autonomy and diversity of the sector ministers want to impose a one size fits all structure so they can keep tighter control of what goes on in our universities."

Professor Sir Pete Downes, convener of Universities Scotland and principal of Dundee University, said: “This Bill has faced a barrage of criticism from the beginning as it is poorly evidenced, poorly drafted and a great number of stakeholders, including principals, fear it will weaken good governance and accountability and diversity in our universities rather than improve it.

“The Government has not brought forward any evidence of a problem that needs a solution and there is no evidence to support its proposals.

"Opposition parties asked the Cabinet Secretary to pause on the Bill and bring something better back at stage three, but the Bill presses on anyway. It is a very disappointing outcome."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Higher Education Governance Bill aims to ensure that the entire campus community has a say on how our higher education institutions are governed. We have worked closely with stakeholders over the course of the Bill’s development."

The origins of the Bill date back to 2011 when a number of universities, including Glasgow and Strathclyde, brought forward course cuts.

Unions felt consultations with staff and students were rudimentary and decisions were motivated by economic considerations rather than academic ones.

There have also been long-running concerns over the spiralling salaries of principals and the increasing autonomy of their management teams.