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Higher Education (Widening Access and Participation) Bill [HL]

A Bill to make provision in relation to widening access to and participation in higher education; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Lords

Parliament last updated

31 October 2023

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Higher Education (Widening Access and Participation) Bill aims to widen access to higher education and to improve participation by a broader range of people. It sets out provisions to support these aims and related purposes, with the specific measures to be developed as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

Key Points

  • Aims to widen access to higher education and improve participation for people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Will introduce provisions to support these aims; the exact measures will be set out in the Bill as it progresses.
  • May involve higher education providers (universities and colleges) and related bodies in delivering and reporting on access and participation.
  • Currently at the first reading stage in the House of Lords, marking the Bill's initial stage.

Progress

The Bill has just begun its journey in Parliament, having its first reading in the House of Lords. Further stages, including consideration by the House of Commons, have not yet occurred.

Who is affected?

Prospective students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgroundsCurrent higher education studentsHigher education providers such as universities and collegesTeachers and careers advisersPublic bodies involved in higher education policy (e.g., government departments and regulators)Communities and regions with historically lower participation in higher education

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingLords

16 Nov 2022

2nd readingLords
Committee stageLords
Report stageLords
3rd readingLords
1st readingCommons
2nd readingCommons
Committee stageCommons
Report stageCommons
3rd readingCommons
Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Higher Education (Widening Access and Participation) Bill - news

26 Oct 2023

The 2022-2023 session of Parliament has prorogued and this bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 67 (as introduced)
BillLords
16 Nov 2022

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.