Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to support post-92 institutions to (a) improve the educational experience and (b) widen participation of disadvantaged students.
Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
All higher education (HE) providers registered with the Office for Students (OfS) that intend to charge higher level tuition fees must have an access and participation plan approved by the OfS. Access and participation plans articulate how HE providers will improve equality of opportunity for underrepresented groups.
The department wants providers to be more ambitious and play a stronger role in improving the access and outcomes for disadvantaged students.
The department made £281 million of funding available to providers for the 2024/25 academic year via the recurrent element of the Strategic Priorities Grant. This was in the form of student premiums and mental health support to support successful outcomes for students, including for disadvantaged students. Funding arrangements for the next academic year will be announced in due course.
Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department includes local authority (a) owned and (b) managed Gypsy and Traveller sites within its definition of social housing under the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
All registered providers of social housing, including local authorities, are required to deliver the outcomes of the consumer standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing (‘the regulator’).
The regulatory standards apply to social housing as defined by the Housing and Regeneration Act (2008). The Act defines low-cost rental accommodation as accommodation rented below market rate and made available to those whose needs may not be adequately served by the commercial market.
Socially rented residential homes on local authority owned or managed Gypsy and Traveller sites will be subject to the regulator’s consumer standards if they meet the definition of social housing under the Act.
Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of introducing student number controls to address competition in the sector.
Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education will set out a plan for reform of the higher education sector in the summer. These reforms will ensure our world-leading sector can provide the skills required to deliver economic growth through the industrial strategy and support the wider changes the country needs in the years to come.
As part of this plan, the department will focus on providers’ efficiency and effectiveness, increasing collaboration with other skills providers, strengthening the civic role of providers and ensuring the right improvement and stronger alignment of provision with the needs of students and the economy.
Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing an alternative to the fee-based funding model for higher education.
Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The higher education (HE) sector needs a secure financial footing to face the challenges of the next decade and to ensure that all students can be confident they will receive the world-class HE experience they deserve. This is why, after seven years of frozen fee caps under the previous government, we have taken the difficult decision to increase maximum tuition fee limits for the 2025/26 academic year by 3.1%, in line with the forecast rate of inflation.
The government believes in the principle that a fee-based funding model and income-contingent student loan repayment system is the most equitable way of ensuring that individuals who have benefited directly from HE make a fair contribution towards its cost. Upfront tuition fee loans have allowed many more students, including disadvantaged students, to access HE through removing financial barriers so that everyone with the ability and desire to enter HE can do so.
Student loans have important protections for borrowers. Monthly repayments depend on earnings, not on interest rates or the amount borrowed, and no-one who earns under the student loan repayment threshold is required to make any repayments at all. At the end of the loan term, any outstanding loan balance, including interest built up, will be written off with no detriment to the borrower.
The department will publish its plan for broader HE reform this summer and work with the sector and the Office for Students to deliver the change that the country needs.
Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to increase financial decision-making transparency in universities.
Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of English higher education (HE) providers, collects and analyses providers’ financial data to ensure they have an up to date understanding of the sustainability of the sector.
The OfS’ May 2024 report set out their assessment of the HE sector’s financial health for the 2022/23 financial year and forecasts for the next four financial years. On 15 November, the OfS published an update to this report, which found that the financial context for the HE sector has become more challenging since the May report. The government works closely with the OfS to understand the financial landscape in the sector.
While the sector is autonomous and independent, the government is determined to secure the future of our world-leading HE sector. That is why we have taken decisive action to support providers in moving towards a more stable financial footing.
In March, Professor Edward Peck was appointed as substantive Chair of the OfS. Professor Peck will continue the work of interim Chair, Sir David Behan, focusing on the sector’s financial sustainability and increasing opportunities in HE.
Moreover, in November, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced the difficult decision to increase tuition fee limits in line with forecast inflation. The maximum fee for a standard full-time undergraduate course in the 2025/26 academic year will increase by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535. In return for the increased investment we are asking students to make, the department expects the sector to deliver the very best outcomes, both for those students and for the country.
The department is clear that HE providers need to ensure their governance arrangements are robust and facilitate prudent, transparent and strategic financial planning. Providers must also ensure they are fit for purpose more widely, including upholding academic freedom, freedom of speech and ensuring good quality of provision. The OfS has recently consulted on proposals to strengthen the conditions related to management and governance for providers that wish to join its register.
The government also recognises the impact that financial pressures are having on the HE workforce. We are aware that some providers are making difficult decisions around staffing in order to safeguard their financial sustainability. Given universities are independent, they are responsible for pay and provision of staff and the government does not have a role in intervening. However, we expect providers to work with staff, using their knowledge and experience to help identify how best to operate efficiently. All efficiency measures taken by the sector should provide a better long-term future for staff, students and the country.
This government is determined to build a HE system fit for the future. Ministers and departmental officials remain dedicated to engaging with the OfS, the employer body, HE unions and the wider sector. Regular discussions are being held to gain a deeper understanding of the issues impacting HE providers, students and staff. This collaborative effort will contribute to the development of the department’s plan for HE reform, which we will publish in the summer.
Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to help mitigate potential job losses in the higher education sector.
Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of English higher education (HE) providers, collects and analyses providers’ financial data to ensure they have an up to date understanding of the sustainability of the sector.
The OfS’ May 2024 report set out their assessment of the HE sector’s financial health for the 2022/23 financial year and forecasts for the next four financial years. On 15 November, the OfS published an update to this report, which found that the financial context for the HE sector has become more challenging since the May report. The government works closely with the OfS to understand the financial landscape in the sector.
While the sector is autonomous and independent, the government is determined to secure the future of our world-leading HE sector. That is why we have taken decisive action to support providers in moving towards a more stable financial footing.
In March, Professor Edward Peck was appointed as substantive Chair of the OfS. Professor Peck will continue the work of interim Chair, Sir David Behan, focusing on the sector’s financial sustainability and increasing opportunities in HE.
Moreover, in November, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced the difficult decision to increase tuition fee limits in line with forecast inflation. The maximum fee for a standard full-time undergraduate course in the 2025/26 academic year will increase by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535. In return for the increased investment we are asking students to make, the department expects the sector to deliver the very best outcomes, both for those students and for the country.
The department is clear that HE providers need to ensure their governance arrangements are robust and facilitate prudent, transparent and strategic financial planning. Providers must also ensure they are fit for purpose more widely, including upholding academic freedom, freedom of speech and ensuring good quality of provision. The OfS has recently consulted on proposals to strengthen the conditions related to management and governance for providers that wish to join its register.
The government also recognises the impact that financial pressures are having on the HE workforce. We are aware that some providers are making difficult decisions around staffing in order to safeguard their financial sustainability. Given universities are independent, they are responsible for pay and provision of staff and the government does not have a role in intervening. However, we expect providers to work with staff, using their knowledge and experience to help identify how best to operate efficiently. All efficiency measures taken by the sector should provide a better long-term future for staff, students and the country.
This government is determined to build a HE system fit for the future. Ministers and departmental officials remain dedicated to engaging with the OfS, the employer body, HE unions and the wider sector. Regular discussions are being held to gain a deeper understanding of the issues impacting HE providers, students and staff. This collaborative effort will contribute to the development of the department’s plan for HE reform, which we will publish in the summer.
Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to encourage strategic financial planning in the higher education sector.
Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of English higher education (HE) providers, collects and analyses providers’ financial data to ensure they have an up to date understanding of the sustainability of the sector.
The OfS’ May 2024 report set out their assessment of the HE sector’s financial health for the 2022/23 financial year and forecasts for the next four financial years. On 15 November, the OfS published an update to this report, which found that the financial context for the HE sector has become more challenging since the May report. The government works closely with the OfS to understand the financial landscape in the sector.
While the sector is autonomous and independent, the government is determined to secure the future of our world-leading HE sector. That is why we have taken decisive action to support providers in moving towards a more stable financial footing.
In March, Professor Edward Peck was appointed as substantive Chair of the OfS. Professor Peck will continue the work of interim Chair, Sir David Behan, focusing on the sector’s financial sustainability and increasing opportunities in HE.
Moreover, in November, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced the difficult decision to increase tuition fee limits in line with forecast inflation. The maximum fee for a standard full-time undergraduate course in the 2025/26 academic year will increase by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535. In return for the increased investment we are asking students to make, the department expects the sector to deliver the very best outcomes, both for those students and for the country.
The department is clear that HE providers need to ensure their governance arrangements are robust and facilitate prudent, transparent and strategic financial planning. Providers must also ensure they are fit for purpose more widely, including upholding academic freedom, freedom of speech and ensuring good quality of provision. The OfS has recently consulted on proposals to strengthen the conditions related to management and governance for providers that wish to join its register.
The government also recognises the impact that financial pressures are having on the HE workforce. We are aware that some providers are making difficult decisions around staffing in order to safeguard their financial sustainability. Given universities are independent, they are responsible for pay and provision of staff and the government does not have a role in intervening. However, we expect providers to work with staff, using their knowledge and experience to help identify how best to operate efficiently. All efficiency measures taken by the sector should provide a better long-term future for staff, students and the country.
This government is determined to build a HE system fit for the future. Ministers and departmental officials remain dedicated to engaging with the OfS, the employer body, HE unions and the wider sector. Regular discussions are being held to gain a deeper understanding of the issues impacting HE providers, students and staff. This collaborative effort will contribute to the development of the department’s plan for HE reform, which we will publish in the summer.
Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of levels of research funding in the higher education sector.
Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Total government investment in research and development will amount to £20.4 billion in 2025-26, protecting the highest levels of public investment in the sector. UKRI has been allocated £8.8 billion, of which £6 billion has been allocated through research council R&D budgets. This includes £2.4 billion through Research England for strategic institutional research funding for higher education providers.
Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of a review of the governance of higher education.
Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of English higher education (HE) providers, collects and analyses providers’ financial data to ensure they have an up to date understanding of the sustainability of the sector.
The OfS’ May 2024 report set out their assessment of the HE sector’s financial health for the 2022/23 financial year and forecasts for the next four financial years. On 15 November, the OfS published an update to this report, which found that the financial context for the HE sector has become more challenging since the May report. The government works closely with the OfS to understand the financial landscape in the sector.
While the sector is autonomous and independent, the government is determined to secure the future of our world-leading HE sector. That is why we have taken decisive action to support providers in moving towards a more stable financial footing.
In March, Professor Edward Peck was appointed as substantive Chair of the OfS. Professor Peck will continue the work of interim Chair, Sir David Behan, focusing on the sector’s financial sustainability and increasing opportunities in HE.
Moreover, in November, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced the difficult decision to increase tuition fee limits in line with forecast inflation. The maximum fee for a standard full-time undergraduate course in the 2025/26 academic year will increase by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535. In return for the increased investment we are asking students to make, the department expects the sector to deliver the very best outcomes, both for those students and for the country.
The department is clear that HE providers need to ensure their governance arrangements are robust and facilitate prudent, transparent and strategic financial planning. Providers must also ensure they are fit for purpose more widely, including upholding academic freedom, freedom of speech and ensuring good quality of provision. The OfS has recently consulted on proposals to strengthen the conditions related to management and governance for providers that wish to join its register.
The government also recognises the impact that financial pressures are having on the HE workforce. We are aware that some providers are making difficult decisions around staffing in order to safeguard their financial sustainability. Given universities are independent, they are responsible for pay and provision of staff and the government does not have a role in intervening. However, we expect providers to work with staff, using their knowledge and experience to help identify how best to operate efficiently. All efficiency measures taken by the sector should provide a better long-term future for staff, students and the country.
This government is determined to build a HE system fit for the future. Ministers and departmental officials remain dedicated to engaging with the OfS, the employer body, HE unions and the wider sector. Regular discussions are being held to gain a deeper understanding of the issues impacting HE providers, students and staff. This collaborative effort will contribute to the development of the department’s plan for HE reform, which we will publish in the summer.
Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the stability of higher education finances.
Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of English higher education (HE) providers, collects and analyses providers’ financial data to ensure they have an up to date understanding of the sustainability of the sector.
The OfS’ May 2024 report set out their assessment of the HE sector’s financial health for the 2022/23 financial year and forecasts for the next four financial years. On 15 November, the OfS published an update to this report, which found that the financial context for the HE sector has become more challenging since the May report. The government works closely with the OfS to understand the financial landscape in the sector.
While the sector is autonomous and independent, the government is determined to secure the future of our world-leading HE sector. That is why we have taken decisive action to support providers in moving towards a more stable financial footing.
In March, Professor Edward Peck was appointed as substantive Chair of the OfS. Professor Peck will continue the work of interim Chair, Sir David Behan, focusing on the sector’s financial sustainability and increasing opportunities in HE.
Moreover, in November, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced the difficult decision to increase tuition fee limits in line with forecast inflation. The maximum fee for a standard full-time undergraduate course in the 2025/26 academic year will increase by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535. In return for the increased investment we are asking students to make, the department expects the sector to deliver the very best outcomes, both for those students and for the country.
The department is clear that HE providers need to ensure their governance arrangements are robust and facilitate prudent, transparent and strategic financial planning. Providers must also ensure they are fit for purpose more widely, including upholding academic freedom, freedom of speech and ensuring good quality of provision. The OfS has recently consulted on proposals to strengthen the conditions related to management and governance for providers that wish to join its register.
The government also recognises the impact that financial pressures are having on the HE workforce. We are aware that some providers are making difficult decisions around staffing in order to safeguard their financial sustainability. Given universities are independent, they are responsible for pay and provision of staff and the government does not have a role in intervening. However, we expect providers to work with staff, using their knowledge and experience to help identify how best to operate efficiently. All efficiency measures taken by the sector should provide a better long-term future for staff, students and the country.
This government is determined to build a HE system fit for the future. Ministers and departmental officials remain dedicated to engaging with the OfS, the employer body, HE unions and the wider sector. Regular discussions are being held to gain a deeper understanding of the issues impacting HE providers, students and staff. This collaborative effort will contribute to the development of the department’s plan for HE reform, which we will publish in the summer.