House of Commons · Bill Debate
03 May 2023 · 4 other contributors
Opened by Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Matt Western raised concerns about higher education (england) bill - new clause 1 and amendments to clauses 1 and 2, and probing amendment in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish a revised impact assessment of the Bill with regard to recently announced and future changes related to the Lifelong Loan Entitlement policy.
This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish a revised impact assessment of the Bill with regard to recently announced and future changes related to the Lifelong Loan Entitlement policy. Amendment 2 aims to put the number of hours that constitute a credit on the face of the Bill. Amendment 1 safeguards against charging variable fees based on course or subject. Amendment 4 is a probing amendment that would limit the use of saving and transitional measures to 7 months from now. Amendment 3 would require regulations made under this Act are subject to the affirmative procedure. Amendment 5 would require the Secretary of State to publish a written ministerial statement ahead of laying any regulations, updating the House on progress and policy development.
Welcomed the Minister’s assurances about regulations specifying credit hours but questioned whether putting the definition of a credit in the Bill would offer greater assurance to higher education providers regarding the stability and value of credits.
The hon. Member acknowledged the Minister’s work on the bill, thanking his colleagues for their constructive contributions and praising Bethan Harding for her drafting amendments that probed the Government's rationale. He expressed trust in the Minister's approach but raised concerns about the uncertain direction of travel due to much being left undecided by regulations. The Member urged the Minister to engage frequently with various stakeholders including employers, NGOs, and governmental bodies.
Mr Aldous supports the Bill's transformational potential for lifelong learning and productivity improvement but highlights its limitations without other reforms. He emphasises the importance of adult education, increased employer investment in skills, better coordination across different educational systems, and alignment of welfare policies. He raises concerns about implementation details such as employer-funded training versus loans, pathways for less-advantaged learners, career advice improvements, regulatory burdens, maintenance support, and sustainable funding for further education.