9th Report - Higher Education and Funding: Threat of Insolvency and International Students

The government rejects the recommendation, stating that universities are independent and responsible for managing their own finances. It notes that the significant reduction in the TPS employer contribution rate from April 2027 is expected to ease financial pressures.

The government rejects the recommendations, explaining that HM Treasury sets the SCAPE rate, universities are independent for financial support, and while acknowledging subsidiary models, expects financial pressures to ease from April 2027 due to reduced employer contribution rates.

The government rejects the recommendation to implement deferred pay for senior leadership, stating that the Office for Students already requires robust governance and acknowledges appropriate remuneration should reflect responsibilities and accountability.

The government rejects the recommendation, stating that legislative and delivery timetables prevent in-year changes to address inflation fluctuations and that HE providers are ultimately responsible for managing their own finances.

The government rejected the committee's regret about the Home Office not being a co-owner of the International Education Strategy, explaining that they collaborated as a department and that co-ownership lies with other departments. It outlined existing and ongoing close working relationships between DfE and Home Office on international education.

The government explicitly rejects making the Home Office a co-owner of the International Education Strategy, stating it is co-owned by DfE, DBT, and FCDO, while affirming close working relationships and Home Office representation on the Education Sector Action Group.