Ministerial Correction

Tuesday 2nd March 2021 Ministerial Corrections

Tuesday 2 March 2021

Education

Tuesday 2nd March 2021 Ministerial Corrections

Support for University Students: Covid-19

The following is an extract from the urgent question on 3 February 2021 on Support for University Students: Covid-19.

[Esther McVey]

The Government set the maximum amount that universities can charge for tuition fees during normal times. Is it not therefore the responsibility of Government to set the maximum amount that universities can charge during this covid-19 period, when students are not getting the education or the experience they have paid for because of Government restrictions?

[Michelle Donelan]

We will continue to monitor the situation. However, it is important to note that reducing tuition fees would not put money into students’ pockets here and now, and 50% of students do not pay back their loaned amount. What is important is ensuring that students get the quantity, the quality and the accessibility of tuition in these really difficult and challenging times.

[Official Report, 3 February 2021, Vol. 688, c. 962.]

Letter of correction from the Minister for Universities:

An error has been identified in the response I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Esther McVey).

The correct response should have been:

[Michelle Donelan]

We will continue to monitor the situation. However, it is important to note that reducing tuition fees would not put money into students’ pockets here and now, and 75% of current students are not expected to fully pay back their loaned amount. What is important is ensuring that students get the quantity, the quality and the accessibility of tuition in these really difficult and challenging times.