The Bill seeks to enable a programme of sales of the government’s student loans portfolio as part of an ongoing strategy of transferring the ownership of public assets. 

The programme of sales is seen as the most effective way to manage the growing student loan book, which is expected to increase in value to £55 billion over the next ten years. The sales would make no difference to the terms and conditions for individual borrowers. 

The plans were previously outlined in the 2007 Budget.

House of Commons

First reading: November 8 2007 [HC Bill 6]

Second reading: November 22 2007