Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department's review of post-18 education and funding will consider a reduction in the interest rates charged on student debt for students in education.

The review of post-18 education and funding will look at how we can ensure a joined-up education system that works for everyone and is accessible to all. The review will look at how we can ensure the system is supported by a funding system that provides value for money and works for students and taxpayers, incentivises choice and competition across the sector, and encourages the development of the skills that we need as a country, whilst maintaining the financial sustainability of a world-class higher education and research sector.

As set out in the Terms of Reference for the review, this will include consideration of how students and graduates contribute to the cost of their studies, including the level, terms and duration of their contribution.

The government has appointed an external panel, comprising experts from across post-18 education and the business world that will consider the available evidence and engage with stakeholders to provide advice to inform the review. The panel will publish a report at an interim stage, before the government concludes the overall review in early 2019. We cannot prejudge the outcomes of the review.