UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the government’s decision to freeze the student‑loan repayment threshold for some borrowers, saying it brings different repayment plans into alignment and is a fair measure amid budget tradeoffs. Critics including personal finance commentators argue the freeze effectively treats loans like a tax and will increase payments for graduates when thresholds do not rise with inflation. The policy affects Plan 2 borrowers who started courses between 2012 and 2023; repayment begins when income exceeds the threshold and equals 9% of earnings above that level. The row underscores political sensitivity around student finance and could affect recruitment, affordability perceptions, and policy debates in higher education.