Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Half of graduates could have their student loans written off, admits Government

 

Ben Glaze
Thursday 08 November 2012 06:47 EST
Comments
Half of graduates could have their student loans written off because they will not earn enough to repay them, the Government admitted today
Half of graduates could have their student loans written off because they will not earn enough to repay them, the Government admitted today

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Half of graduates could have their student loans written off because they will not earn enough to repay them, the Government admitted today.

Students who borrow money to complete their courses will not begin to pay back money until they earn £21,000.

Unpaid loans are written off after 30 years under the coalition's shake-up of university funding.

Universities Minister David Willetts said today: "We estimate that around half of all borrowers will have some part of their loan written off, as payments are contingent on their future income."

An Institute for Fiscal Studies report four months ago said half of graduates would still be repaying loans into their 50s.

But speaking at business, innovation and skills questions in the Commons, Mr Willetts added: "Our reforms are more progressive than the previous system because you only start to repay once you are earning over £21,000.

"The new system helps reduce the deficit, is affordable and sustainable for the Government, while offering protection for those who may not go on to high-paid employment."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in