§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what provision will be made under his proposals for higher education funding, regarding students who are unable to realise a working income sufficient to pay off the debt incurred as part of study fees because of(a) medical incapacity and (b) other reasons; and if he will make a statement. [93630]
§ Margaret HodgeThere are already appropriate arrangements in place under the current income-contingent repayment scheme. Repayment of a student's loan will be cancelled: when they reach the age of 65; if they are unable to work due to permanent disability; or when they die. Any graduate with a loan whose income is below the threshold at which repayments begin, currently £10,000 but rising to170W £15,000 in April 2005, will not be required to make repayments. This approach is both fair and equitable, and will continue when loans for deferred tuition fees are introduced in 2006–07.