Academics at the London School of Economics yesterday agreed in principle to charge students top-up fees

Academics at the London School of Economics yesterday agreed in principle to charge students top-up fees in response to Government spending cuts in higher education. The decision, by a four to one majority of the school's academic board, will be put to the court of governors next week.

If it backs the proposal, the LSE believes it will be the first higher education institution to do so. Several universities have said they will consider top-up fees if the Government does not reverse planned spending cuts. John Ashworth, the school's director, said: "As an internationally renowned centre of academic excellence we must not allow our reputation for high standards and quality to be damaged by the reduction of state funding." Judith Judd