Plan 2 Student Loans: Repayment Terms
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Deech
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
In our manifesto we committed to raising teacher standards in higher education. Every student deserves the best possible quality from their investment. I am pleased to say that we are working closely with the education sector and providers to make sure that that quality is, first, across the board but also maintained.
Baroness Deech (CB)
Does the Minister agree that the situation has gone too far for tinkering? We need a fresh start. As I said yesterday, we need a Select Committee in this House on education. But does she agree that it is time for something radical, such as a graduate tax or complete exemption for those who repay their debt to society immediately—the students of medicine, teaching and nursing?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I always listen to the noble Baroness’s questions with interest. I do not think it would be right for me to pre-empt the ongoing discussions. I think there is a general recognition that something needs to change, but it has to be done in the spirit of fairness while maintaining access for all students and making sure, as I said at the outset, that it is fiscally responsible in a complex financial situation.
Student Loan System
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Deech
Baroness Deech (CB)
My Lords, is the Minister aware that over £5 billion of student debt is owed by European Union students who went back and did not repay? What steps will the Government take to prevent this debt growing if we rejoin Erasmus, which is, after all, one-way traffic?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I am sure those considerations are being taken into account as we move forward with this. I do not have an answer for the noble Baroness at this moment, but oversight of all the implications of change of policy is critical.