Latest editorial
LECTURERS slammed the “shambolic” higher education funding system yesterday after axed minister David Willetts came clean over plans to let universities raise fees — if they collect their own students’ debt.
The Tory admitted the idea was under consideration at the Department for Business and Skills (BIS) during Monday’s episode of Newsnight.
He said ministers and officials may allow institutions to charge more than £9,000 a year if they play debt collector.
Cuts are sweeping campuses as cash-strapped universities slash staff and politicians fail to act on a growing funding emergency. VINCE MILLS reports
Almost half of universities face deficits, merger mania is taking hold, and massive fee hikes that will lock out working-class students are on the horizon, write RUBEN BRETT, PAUL WHITEHOUSE and DAN GRACE