The Universities UK call for a national debate on the future of higher education funding has, worryingly, failed to ignite the media and electorate – suggesting that post-18 education is not a high priority for voters.
Despite that, there has been considerable activity behind the scenes as various individuals and institutions have signalled their preferred approach to these issues in the future.
The issues and options currently being considered by these different groups include the following:
- The likely financial consequences of the introduction of the new Plan 5 system – with 40 year repayment and lower interest rates – in England, Scotland and Wales.
- Ameliorating the regressive consequences of the Plan 5 arrangements in England and Wales by having higher earners repay more and by not penalising women and others who take a care or career break – the so-called STEP model.
- Proposals for introducing maintenance grants in England.
- A graduate tax and/or employer focused graduate levy.
- The possible introduction of student number controls.
