Leading Article: Fancy a top up?

In higher education, 2009 is known as the year in which the Government launches its review of top-up fees – thus bracing itself for rival demands from interested parties that it should leave well alone or lift the £3,145 cap and allow universities to charge what they want. In such parlous economic times, ministers will probably feel it is better to be cautious than brave when it comes to tampering with the legislation. A modest increase in the levels universities can charge is the most likely outcome when the results of the review are known – most likely after the next election.