Parliamentary Briefing

The Higher Education and Research Bill at Report Stage and Third Reading

18 Nov 2016

The Higher Education and Research Bill is a complex piece of draft legislation, which is attempting to change the fundamental architecture of the higher education sector. While supportive of some of the government’s objectives, MillionPlus has expressed a number of serious concerns around elements of the Bill, and submitted evidence and draft amendments to the Committee. 

Despite the government’s welcome acknowledgement of some of the major criticisms put to them in the Committee, the Bill has not been changed in any substantive way. We accept that in some areas the Minister believes regulations will fill in the gaps and answer many of the outstanding questions. However, there would be greater clarity if some of the major issues of policy were on the face of the Bill and subject to full scrutiny during the passage of the legislation through Parliament. This would help ensure that Parliament and the Government deliver a more robust piece of legislation which is more likely to stand the test of time.

Download The Higher Education and Research Bill at Report Stage and Third Reading »