Lifelong Learning and Higher Education Minister Margaret Hodge today welcomed the publication of the Better Regulation Task Force report ‘Higher Education – Easing the Burden’.

Mrs Hodge said: “The Better Regulation Task Force is addressing an issue of huge importance to us and universities. Much has already been done over the last year or so to reduce universities’ and colleges’ red tape.

“The Quality Assurance Agency has introduced a lighter touch framework to measure the quality of teaching. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has introduced ‘conditional allocations’ for some of its earmarked funds. This means institutions now know how much they will receive rather than face the uncertainty and burdens of competitive bidding.

“But I accept there is more to do. We will consider the report carefully and make a full response in due course.”