The policy is being considered as part of a government White Paper on higher education, due to be published in the summer.

BBC: Minister rules out 'university places for the rich'

Planned reforms to adult social care in England also look a way off after the much-delayed publication of a government White Paper, which is now expected in the summer.

BBC: UK Politics

Plans to reform the fire service in England and Wales were at the centre of a government white paper unveiled by John Prescott in the wake of the firefighters' strikes at the end of last year.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Kent | Firefighters could 'ignore' calls