Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Student Loan Repayment Threshold

Monday 6 December 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government remains committed to a fair funding model for higher education
  • Minister confirms the Government will report back on Augur recommendations shortly
  • Government is considering reforms to ensure value for money and quality in higher education

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Education
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of potential changes to student loan repayments on current students, particularly those affected by lockdowns.

Question

What plans does the Government have to change the threshold for student loan repayments? I know that she is as aware as I am of the effect of lockdown on the education of the current generation of students, so may I urge her to ensure that we do not punish this generation?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We remain committed to a fair funding model for higher education, but I will not comment on speculation. We are considering reforms to drive up quality and ensure value for money. The post-18 review is ongoing and we will conclude it in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide any specific plans or timeline for changes to the repayment threshold, only stated commitment without details.

How: Will Not Comment On Speculation, Considering Reforms

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Q2 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Education Taxation
Context

Reports suggest the repayment threshold for student loans may be lowered to £22,000. This could impact female graduates and those from deprived backgrounds disproportionately.

Question

Will the Minister confirm that changes to the threshold will be guided by fair and progressive taxation principles? When can we expect the Government's response to Augur?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We will report back on Augar shortly. Our principles include sustainability, quality, social mobility, and maintaining our reputation in higher education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm commitment to fair and progressive tax principles or provide a specific timeline for responding to the Augar report.

How: Will Report Back On Augur Shortly

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Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Context

Young people in England graduate with an average of £50,000 of debt due to high tuition fees. The Augar report recommended lowering fees.

Question

Can the Minister explain why tuition fees have not been lowered despite recommendations from experts commissioned by her own Government?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We are looking at everything outlined in the comprehensive Augur report and taking our time to get this right. Our focus is on students, maintaining international reputation of higher education institutions, and ensuring genuine social mobility.

Not addressed: Did not address why tuition fees have not been lowered as recommended by experts.

How: Taking Our Time To Get This Right, Maintaining Focus On Students And Reputation

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