text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Higher Education and Research Bill - New Clause 2 - Student Loans - Restrictions on Modification of Repayment Terms
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  
  
  @ MP voted aye to restrict modifications to student loan terms by only allowing such changes with the approval of an independent panel and where the changes protect those on low income and are favourable to the majority of students and graduates.  
  @ MP voted no not to restrict modifications to student loan terms by only allowing such changes with the approval of an independent panel and where the changes protect those on low income and are favourable to the majority of students and graduates.  
  
  MPs were considering the Higher Education and Research Bill[1]
  
  The majority of MPs voted not to restrict modifications to student loan terms, once the loan is in place, by only allowing such changes with the approval of an independent panel and where the changes protect those on low income and are favourable to the majority of students and graduates.  
  
  The proposed new clause rejected in this vote was titled ''Student support: restricted modification of repayment terms'' and stated:
  
  :â(1) [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/30/section/22 Section 22 of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998] (power to give financial support to students) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (4).
  
  :(2) In subsection (2)(g) at the beginning insert âSubject to subsections (3)(A) and (3)(B),â.
  
  :(3) In subsection (2)(g) leave out from âsectionâ to the end of subsection (2)(g).
  
  :(4) After subsection (3) insertâ
  
  :â(3A) Other than in accordance with subsection (3B), no provision may be made under subsection (2)(g) relating to the repayment of a loan that has been made available under this section once the parties to that loan (including the borrower) have agreed the terms and conditions of repayment, including duringâ
  
  :(a) the period of enrolment on a course specified under subsection (1)(a) or (1)(b), and
  
  :(b) the period of repayment.
  
  :(3B) Any modification to any requirement or other provision relating to the repayment of a loan made available under this section and during the periods specified in subsection (3A) shall only be made if approved by an independent panel.
  
  :(3C) The independent panel shall approve modifications under subsection 
  
  :(3B) if such modifications meet conditions to be determined by the panel.
  
  :(3D) The approval conditions under subsection (3C) must include thatâ
  
  :(a) the modification is subject to consultation with representatives of the borrowers,
  
  :(b) the majority of the representative group consider the modification to be favourable to the majority of students and graduates who have entered loans, and
  
  :(c) there is evidence that those on low incomes will be protected.
  
  :(3E) The independent panel shall consist of three people appointed by the Secretary of State, who (between them) must have experience ofâ
  
  :(a) consumer protection,
  
  :(b) loan modification and mediation,
  
  :(c) the higher education sector, and
  
  :(d) student finance.ââ
  
  ==
  
  * [1] [http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2016-17/highereducationandresearch.html Parliament's webpage on the Higher Education and Research Bill]
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  