35
Accepted
Evidence from the higher education sector supported greater collaboration between providers.
Conclusion
Evidence from the higher education sector supported greater collaboration between providers. We welcome the CMA’s recent update about when collaboration with other higher education providers is permissible. We will monitor any future developments in this space, especially were a situation to arise in which competition law proved a barrier to necessary and desirable collaboration between higher education providers. (Conclusion, Paragraph 181)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for competition law to allow collaboration and details existing engagement with the CMA, the provision of guidance, and an ongoing commitment to monitor and review the framework for potential future needs.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE The Government recognises that competition law must work effectively in higher education while allowing appropriate collaboration, partnerships and discussions that benefit students and institutions. We have engaged closely with the CMA, which has developed targeted guidance to help providers understand how competition law applies to their activities. We will continue to monitor its impact and engage with the CMA where needed. DfE considers that the current framework gives providers sufficient scope to collaborate. We will keep this under review and consider further engagement or consultation if needed to support a sustainable, innovative higher education sector. DfE and DSIT will continue working with sector bodies, including Universities UK, to identify and monitor potential barriers to collaboration.
Source
Committee
Education Committee
Report
9th Report - Higher Education and Funding: Threat of Insolvency and International Students
12 May 2026
HC 807
Addressee Bodies
Department for Education
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.2 yrs
Report published
12 May 2026