Support for University Students: Covid-19 Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Support for University Students: Covid-19

Esther McVey Excerpts
Wednesday 3rd February 2021

(3 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Esther McVey Portrait Esther McVey (Tatton) (Con) [V]
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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 Portrait Michelle Donelan
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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, 2 March 2021, Vol. 690, c. 2MC.]