Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 December 2010.

Higher Education: Tuition Fees

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the finding by the Institute for Fiscal Studies that students from poorer families will pay more for their university education under the tuition fee proposals.

Answer: The IFS has said that students from the poorest families will be better off, in terms of upfront support, by around £750 per year compared with the current system. They conclude that the Government's proposed graduate contribution system is more progressive than both the current one and the recommendation of the Browne review: those who benefit the most financially from higher education will pay the most. Overall, the Government estimate that around 25 per cent of the lowest-paid graduates, regardless of their family background, will pay less than under the current system, and that 25 per cent of the highest earners will repay more than 100 per cent of their original loan. Any outstanding contributions will be cancelled after 30 years.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5142; 723 c337-8WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Disadvantaged Fees and charges Higher education Universities Students
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk