Hollingsworth & Co Ltd

Plan 1 student loan interest rate to change to 6%

Talk to an expert

The Plan 1 student loan interest rate reduced to 6% (from 6.25%) from 30 August. This rate change applies across the UK with the Department for Education (DfE), the Welsh Government and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland (DfE NI) all confirming the change.


The reduction follows the Bank of England Base Rate changing to 5% earlier in August.


Those running payrolls and payroll bureaus should notice a reduction in student loan deductions for relevant employees in their September payrolls. If not, you may need to confirm that your payroll software has correctly updated.


See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-to-plan-1-student-loan-interest-rate-announcement

March 19, 2026
Is a Change to Income Tax Devolution in Wales on the Horizon?

An independent report, commissioned by the Welsh government, has examined potential future options for income tax devolution in Wales. It compares keeping the current partially devolved system with moving to full devolution, while factoring in the effects of the block grant adjustment (BGA).

Read article
March 18, 2026
Starting Up in Business: A Practical Guide

Have you reached a point where the idea of running a business feels like more than just a pipe dream? Perhaps you have identified a gap in the market, you want greater independence or your side hustle is telling you that it has the potential to become a full-time income.

Read article