The Education Minister has rejected claims she is conflicted over the review into university funding.
Daphne Caine was asked about the issue in Keys on Tuesday morning amid concerns that middle-income families are being disproportionately affected by current student grant thresholds.
The most recent increases to the thresholds were outlined by Mrs Caine, when maintenance grant lower earning threshold rose from £17,534 to £21,547, while the upper threshold increased from £62,444 to £70,145.
The fees grant thresholds were also adjusted, with the lower limit rising from £100,000 to £112,000 and the upper limit from £119,285 to £131,285 for the 2019-20 academic year.
However, Julie Edge raised concerns about the minister’s impartiality, asking: “Can she confirm how she’s going to do an impartial review if she’s already got a view that she would not like to see a loan system?”
Caine defended her position, stating: “I don’t feel at all conflicted.”
She added: “I just feel like I should declare an interest having students of this age.”
Despite this, Ms Edge called for an independent review, arguing: “She’s completely conflicted herself this morning.”
Thresholds
Jason Moorhouse had highlighted concerns raised by parents about the current upper threshold, asking if the department plans further increases.
Mrs Caine told members: “The regulations are regularly reviewed, and as the honourable member will be aware, they are currently under review and updated regulations are expected to be introduced in autumn of 2025.”
Mr Moorhouse pressed further, asking whether the department had assessed how the thresholds might deter middle-income students from higher education.
Anne Corlett also questioned the impact on middle-income families, to which Mrs Caine reiterated that “all income thresholds will be reviewed”.
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