HL Deb 10 December 2003 vol 655 cc69-70WA
Lord Barnett

asked Her Majesty's Government: What would be the estimated annual cost in 2003–04 to the Exchequer of financing all additional top-up fees of universities and colleges of higher education in England and Wales, with a cap in each case of £3,000 per annum. [HL233]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

The Government propose to introduce variable fees in 2006–07. The estimated annual cost will depend on the level of fee charged by each university and college of higher education, and the extent to which students take out loans to cover their fees. We will make further details available in the new year in the regulatory impact assessment, which will set out the financial implications of the policies announced in the higher education White Paper.