The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
I would like to express my gratitude to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend East and Rochford (Mr Alaba) for securing the debate. He has a dedicated record of 15 years of service as a youth mentor, and has worked as a school governor, overseeing the education of young people, so he provides an invaluable perspective on these matters, and particularly on the transition to higher education. I also note the contribution and efforts of my hon. Friend the Member for Southend West and Leigh (David Burton-Sampson) on this matter.
The work of both Southend Members in supporting students in their area demonstrates their clear commitment to the principle that education must be the primary engine for breaking down barriers to opportunity. This Government share that ambition and are focused on delivering the structural changes required to make it a reality.
I was personally struck by the remarks of my hon. Friend the Member for Southend East and Rochford on Second Reading of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill; he stated that his constituency is a “proud coastal community” that has too often been
“left behind when it comes to connectivity, educational outcomes and investment in skills.”—[Official Report, 2 September 2025; Vol. 772, c. 185.]
Our post-16 education and skills White Paper sets out our vision for a world-leading skills system that breaks down barriers. We are determined to ensure that, as my hon. Friend said,
“Where someone lives should not negatively impact their future.”—[Official Report, 20 March 2025; Vol. 764, c. 597.]
Our skills White Paper provides the blueprint for delivering the Prime Minister’s new target of two thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning—academic, technical or apprenticeships—by age 25, up from 50% today. But we can only deliver this by putting the sector on a secure financial footing. That is why we will increase tuition fee caps for all higher education providers in line with forecast inflation in academic years 2026-27 and 2027-28. We will then legislate, when parliamentary time allows, to increase caps automatically for future academic years. That is crucial for getting to the root of some of the challenges that our higher education institutions face regarding sustainability.
This increased investment must be matched by a commitment to excellence. We will make future fee uplifts conditional on higher education providers achieving a higher quality threshold under the Office for Students’ quality regime, and will restrict fee income where that cannot be demonstrated. That will protect taxpayers’ investment and reward providers for higher quality.
We are also committed to supporting the aspirations of every person who meets the requirements and wants to attend higher education. We will introduce targeted means-tested maintenance grants of up to £1,000 a year from academic year 2028-29, providing vital extra support for students from low-income households without increasing their debt. Those grants will be funded by the introduction of a levy on income from international students. To help students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, we will future-proof financial support by increasing maintenance loans in line with forecast inflation every academic year. Furthermore, I am particularly proud that we will provide extra support for care leavers, who will automatically become eligible to receive the maximum rate of maintenance loan from academic year 2026-27.
I am aware of the concerns raised about the University of Essex’s decision regarding its Southend campus, and I assure my hon. Friends that the Department is working closely with the Office for Students, the university and local partners to understand the effect on students, and to secure practical options. The Department’s priority is to protect students’ interests by ensuring continuity of study, and access to clear information, support and practical options.
When a campus closes, providers are expected to act in the best interests of students, including by enabling transfers, where that is a student’s choice. Hon. Members rightly expect good-quality communication from the institution about how the change is implemented. The change should support improved value for money for all, and should be backed by a stronger focus on increasing participation for disadvantaged learners. My hon. Friends the Members for Southend East and Rochford, and for Southend West and Leigh, have spoken directly with my noble Friend the Minister for Skills, and have been working proactively with Ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, and local partners. My hon. Friends’ local leadership on seeking early local collaboration will play a vital part in minimising disruption for students.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Office for Students, the university and others in the area, including Members of Parliament, as the situation relating to the University of Essex develops. I thank my hon. Friends the Members for Southend East and Rochford, and for Southend West and Leigh, for their continued championing of the needs of local students, and reassure them that the Government will support their efforts to manage campus changes in a way that minimises disruption for students and ensures that the area has a bright future.
Question put and agreed to.