Student loans: interest rates
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(1) In section 22 of THEA 1998 (financial support for students), in subsection (4) (interest rates on loans), for paragraph (a) (but not the “and” after it) substitute— (a) the rates prescribed by regulations made in pursuance of subsection (3)(a) must be— (i) lower than those prevailing on the market, or (ii) no higher than those prevailing on the market, where the other terms on which such loans are provided are more favourable to borrowers than those prevailing on the market; (2) In consequence of subsection (1)— (a) in section 22 of THEA 1998, omit subsections (8) and (9); (b) in section 2 of the Sale of Student Loans Act 2008 (sale of student loans: supplemental), in subsection (5), omit paragraph (d) (but not the “and” after it). (3) This section applies in relation to a student who begins a course on or after 1 September 2012, except in such circumstances as may be prescribed. (4) In subsection (3) “prescribed”— (a) in relation to England, means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State; (b) in relation to Wales, means prescribed by regulations made by the Welsh Ministers.