Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Government's proposals to reduce the number of government agencies, what discussions he has had with (a) HM Treasury and (b) the Student Loans Company on that body's future (i) operation and (ii) budget; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has not had any discussions with His Majesty's Treasury or the Student Loans Company (SLC) regarding the government's proposals to reduce the number of government agencies.

Arm’s length bodies, including the SLC, are an integral part of the department, and their funding was set out in the current Spending Review 2021, which is not due to be reviewed again until 2024.