REJECT Inflation-linked tuition fee cap uplifts will provide a strong and sustainable funding stream for our universities. Over the next five years, these uplifts could generate significant income for the sector. This approach ensures the sector benefits from compounding annual increases, delivering growing resources to support quality education and innovation. The timetables - for both legislation and the Student Loans Company’s delivery cycle - for approving annual changes to tuition fee limits and student support prevent us from making ’in-year’ changes to address increases or reductions in inflation. We also need to provide certainty to students well in advance of them applying so they know what to expect with respect to tuition fee levels. The Office for Students is responsible for monitoring the sector’s financial health. While the Office for Students has statutory duties in relation to the financial sustainability of the sector, the Government has a clear interest in understanding the sector’s level of risk. As such, we continue to work closely with the Office for Students to understand the sector’s changing financial landscape. If a provider was at risk of failure, our priority would be to work with the Office for Students, the provider and other Government departments to ensure students’ and taxpayers’ best interests are protected. Ultimately, HE providers are independent from Government and as such are responsible for managing their finances and ensuring their business models provide long-term sustainability.