Every parliamentary written question tabled by Gavin Williamson this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–4 of 4 · Department for Education
When she plans to respond to the Freedom of Information request dated 13 August 2025 submitted by the Hon. Member for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge.
The department is dealing with this matter under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. As such, we are seeking necessary clearances and will provide a response as soon as possible.
If she will make an estimate of (a) the number of students who will not be charged the increased annual tuition fee due to their contracts preventing a change in fees once they have started their degree and (b) the total cost of this differential for universities.
Higher education providers are autonomous and responsible for setting their own fees under the fee cap.In deciding whether or not to increase fees, providers will want to ensure that they can continue to deliver courses which are fit for purpose and help students achieve their ambitions. For continuing students, this will depend on providers’ individual contracts with students, and they will wish to make their own legal assessment of this.The department plans to publish an assessment of impacts, including on equality, of the planned tuition fee and student finance changes shortly.
Whether her Department has made an estimate of the cost to educational institutions of stopping the implementation of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.
An estimate of costs associated with the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech Act) 2023 was provided in the Impact Assessment published with the Act. The Act was paused to consider options for its future, including repeal, and no final decision has been made on this. One of the reasons for pausing the Act was to consider the burden on higher education providers before making a final decision, and the department is currently engaging with stakeholders on this. The department will undertake all required impact assessments before making a final decision.
What estimate she has made of the cost of compliance with the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.
An estimate of costs associated with the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech Act) 2023 was provided in the Impact Assessment published with the Act. The Act was paused to consider options for its future, including repeal, and no final decision has been made on this. One of the reasons for pausing the Act was to consider the burden on higher education providers before making a final decision, and the department is currently engaging with stakeholders on this. The department will undertake all required impact assessments before making a final decision.