UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended freezing the repayment threshold for certain student loan plans as “fair and reasonable,” arguing it aligns repayment plans and balances tax and spending. The decision has provoked criticism from consumer advocates and personal‑finance experts who say freezing thresholds amid high inflation effectively raises graduate repayments. Critics note borrowers on Plan 2 face mounting interest charges tied to RPI inflation plus up to 3%, creating a heavier burden when thresholds do not move with wages. The policy has spurred calls for reassessment from advocacy groups and questions about its impact on graduate recruitment and social mobility. Universities and student‑support offices may see renewed pressure to expand financial guidance for applicants and alumni as loan‑policy changes unfold.