§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to ensure equal university and college access to people of all backgrounds under the Higher Education Bill. [176559]
§ Alan Johnson[holding answer 9 June 2004]: The Higher Education Bill includes provisions which will ensure that no institution can charge higher variable fees without an access plan approved by the Director of Fair Access. The access plan will include the outreach measures and financial support which the institutions will undertake to ensure access is safeguarded and promoted. We also propose to abolish the requirement to pay up front fees for all full time undergraduates—they will be able to defer their fees, and repay them after they graduate.
In addition the maintenance loan will be increased to cover average basic living costs for undergraduates. From 2006, the poorest students will be eligible for the £2,700 maintenance grant, as well as minimum £300 bursary support. And all students commencing their courses after 2006 will benefit from a loan write off after 25 years.