This document provides feedback on the Higher Education Funding Council for England's (HEFCE's) consultation on new proposals for widening participation in higher education and outlines the decisions that have been made following the consultation. A summary of responses to the consultation is included in Annex B. As a result of the consultation, the HEFCE will distribute funding in support of widening participation for the period 2000-2001 to 2003-2004. This funding is intended to encouraged institutions to widen participation in higher education by under-represented groups, raise the aspirations of all to attend the institutions best able to match their abilities, interests, and needs, and ensure that all students have the best possible chance of succeeding in their studies. Funding will be increased in proportion to the institution's success in recruiting students from neighborhoods with low rates of participation in higher education, and a new funding stream will be introduced to help raise aspirations. Summer school programs and widening participation strategies will be supported by new funding initiatives. The document asks institutions to submit updates 3-year strategies for widening participation, accompanying the strategies with action plans by late July 2001, with the possibility of receiving an extension for the complete plan until October. Eight annexes provide supplemental details about the funding and the application process. (SLD)