Education Secretary Lucy Powell has said reforming England's student loan system is "very much at the top of my in-tray", signalling that the Government intends to review the current arrangements for graduates.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Ms Powell said she had not changed her long-held concerns about the student finance system despite taking on responsibility for education.
She said:
"I've called it in the past egregious. And I'm not going to sort of change my opinion on that just because I'm now the Secretary of State."
Ms Powell was referring to England's student loan system, which has attracted criticism over repayment terms and interest rates charged to graduates.
The Education Secretary confirmed that the Government has already committed to reviewing the system.
She said:
"The Government has committed to a review of that. It is very much at the top of my in-tray as the Secretary of State."
During the interview, Ms Powell indicated that the review would consider the operation of the student loan system as a whole, including concerns that have previously been raised about interest rates and repayment arrangements.
However, she stopped short of announcing any policy changes.
She told BBC Radio 5 Live:
"I can't make any promises, but it needs looking at."
The current student finance system in England has been criticised by campaigners, universities and politicians from across the political spectrum, with particular concern focused on the level of interest charged to some borrowers and the length of time graduates spend repaying their loans.
No timetable has yet been announced for the Government's review, and ministers have not indicated what reforms, if any, may ultimately be introduced.
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