Written question asked by Lord Barker of Battle (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 June 2002. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 10 June 2002 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans she has to raise the 10 per cent. postcode premium recognised in higher education funding to 20 per cent.

Answer: Mr. Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to raise the 10 per cent. postcode premium recognised in higher education funding to 20 per cent. [59292] Margaret Hodge: The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is reviewing the funding it allocates to higher education institutions to recognise the additional costs of recruiting and retaining students from non-traditional backgrounds (the `postcode premium'). HEFCE is consulting institutions on widening participation; this includes consultation on the appropriate basis on which the postcode premium is allocated. The deadline for institutions to respond is 19 July. Plans for spending in future years will depend on the outcome of the spending review.

Secondary information