The Treasury Committee is today launching a new inquiry into the
student loan system and related financial implications. The
Committee will scrutinise recent changes to the student loan
system, including the repayment threshold, interest rates,
tuition fees, and the impact on university finances.
It will also examine the impact of higher education on the public
finances, a so-called ‘graduate tax’, and the effectiveness of
the Government’s management of the student loan book.
The first evidence session of this inquiry will be on Wednesday
18 October with Dr Helen Carasso and Dr Andrew McGettigan, who
have written extensively about student loans.
It will focus on the impact of student loans on the public
finances, the success or failure of fee funding to act as a
‘market’ for higher education, and the impact of student finances
on students. Further evidence sessions will be announced in due
course.
Commenting on the launch of the inquiry, Rt Hon. MP, Chair of the Treasury
Committee, said:
“The Treasury Committee is appointed to examine Government
expenditure. Student loan debt is projected to be around £160
billion within six years, and the Government has announced that
it will review the whole student finance system. The Committee
will scrutinise the current system and any future developments
closely.”
--Ends--
Notes to Editors
- The student
loans inquiry webpage, where evidence can be submitted,
is here. The full terms
of reference for the inquiry will be published in due course.
- The details
for the first evidence session for this inquiry are as follows:
Witnesses:
Dr Helen Carasso, author and lecturer in Higher Education
Dr Andrew McGettigan, author and lecturer in philosophy and the
history of mathematics
Date:
Wednesday 18 October 2017
Time:
2.15pm
Location:
Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Please note, the timing of Committee evidence sessions is
subject to change depending on House business.
