Universities call on UK Government to push tuition fees up - students threaten to become 'ungovernable'

President of the NUS says the current funding system is 'failing'

The introduction of tuition fees in England in 2010 has seen mass protests against fees and cuts in the education system (Carl Court/Getty Images)

The Government needs to lift the £9,000 tuition fee cap in England in line with inflation, says an advocacy organisation for higher education institutions.

Universities UK (UUK) – which represents the country’s university leaders – is calling on the increase of funds for institutions and also wants to see an increase in the maintenance support that is made available to students.

However, women’s officer, Kelly Rogers, said if the fees are raised, it will be an “ideological attack” to limit the ability of the working classes and those already marginalised.

She added: “I have no doubt that the student movement will become ungovernable if a fee-raise is on the agenda.”

UUK’s call has come after the Student Funding Panel found that, although the current system of student funding in England is ‘broadly fit-for purpose’, its recommendation for the level of financial support for students’ living costs to be increased must be heeded by the Government.

Now, the vice president of UUK, Professor Janet Beer, says this recommendation is one the Government must uphold.

She said: “Evidence shows that students are more concerned about the level of maintenance support they receive while studying than they are about the long-term repayment of their student loans dependant on income.”

Universities minister, Jo Johnson, wants to see higher teaching standards in UK institutions (Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Professor Beer believes that the value of the cap – which was put into place in 2012 – is “being eroded considerably by inflation,” adding: “Allowing the value of the fee to be maintained in real terms is essential to allow universities to continue to deliver a high-quality learning experience for students.”

The UUK believes the changes need to be implemented as soon as possible to keep the quality of education high.

However, the universities minister, Jo Johnson, declined to rule-out a rise in tuition fees or changes to student loan repayment terms when answering questions in the House of Commons two days ago and only said the Government would ensure it has “a stable and sustainable funding regime for our universities and higher education institutions in general.”

In his first major policy speech on higher education, since being appointed the Minister for Universities and Science in May, Mr Johnson yesterday set-out plans for a “teaching excellence framework” (TEF) which will compare the quality of teaching with the “research excellence framework” which measures research as well as determining the allocation of funding.

Professor Beer added: “Any changes to the system must also ensure that higher education remains affordable and does not deter any under-represented groups from study.”

The president of the National Union of Students, Megan Dunn, thinks the UUK’s call is only more proof of a “failing” funding system and said: “The Treasury is approaching the point at which it will get zero financial reward from the tripling of tuition fees.”