Story perspectives

Judge Quashes £585k Sussex Fine, Flags ONS Bias

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Mrs Justice Lieven overturned the Office for Students’ £585,000 fine on University of Sussex after finding procedural failures and bias.
Former chief executive Susan Lapworth resigned and was replaced by Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne, who must rebuild regulator trust.
Vice-chancellor Sasha Roseneil said the ruling confirms Sussex’s academic-freedom commitment and raises concerns that the Office for Students struggles to protect students and manage financial instability across England’s universities.

History

Historical Context

Created by the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, the Office for Students began operating on 1 January 2018, inheriting HEFCE’s funding role. In its first year it fined the University of Sussex £585,000 for financial-risk breaches, but Mrs Justice Lieven overturned the penalty in 2023, echoing recent scrutiny of the regulator’s powers under the 2023 Freedom of Speech Act.

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Story summary

Judge Mrs Justice Lieven overturned the Office for Students’ £585,000 fine on University of Sussex after finding procedural failures and bias.
Former chief executive Susan Lapworth resigned and was replaced by Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne, who must rebuild regulator trust.
Vice-chancellor Sasha Roseneil said the ruling confirms Sussex’s academic-freedom commitment and raises concerns that the Office for Students struggles to protect students and manage financial instability across England’s universities.

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