Overview

This bill aims to ensure fair treatment of British students regarding higher education fees across the UK. It prevents universities from charging different fees based on a student's place of domicile (permanent residence) and mandates that organizations using public funds to support students do not discriminate based on their place of study.

Description

This bill amends the Scotland Act 1998 and the Higher Education Act 2004. Key changes include:

• Equal Treatment: It prevents universities in England, Wales, and Scotland from charging different tuition fees to British students based on their region of origin (e.g., Scottish students in English universities paying different fees than English students).
• Financial Support Equality: Organizations using public funds to assist students with fees (e.g., student loan schemes) cannot offer more favorable support to students based solely on their university's location within the UK.
• Exceptions: Organizations may offer different levels of financial support for fees if the variance is proportional to the fees at different institutions.
• Reporting: The Secretary of State for Education must report to Parliament within six months of the bill's passage on its impact on higher education institutions.
• Enforcement: The Bill adds legislative constraints to the Scottish Government's power to differentiate treatment of students from across the UK.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not directly specified with figures. However, it likely involves ensuring equitable distribution of existing funds for student financial support across the UK, potentially requiring reallocation of resources. The lack of specified financial details means the impact is unclear and may depend on the future responses of governments.

Groups Affected

• Universities in England, Scotland, and Wales: These institutions will be affected by the restrictions on varying fees based on student domicile.
• British Students: Students will benefit from more consistent fee structures and financial support, regardless of their place of study.
• Student Funding Organizations: Organizations providing student financial assistance will need to ensure their support policies comply with the bill's provisions.
• Scottish Government: The Scottish Government's powers regarding higher education fees will be restricted by the bill.

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