Parents say no to paying more

Most parents think universities should have more money but oppose the introduction of top-up fees, according to a survey of 1,500 parents commissioned by The Times Educational Supplement .

Some 77 per cent said universities were underfunded but only 23 per cent thought they should be allowed to charge higher fees to raise income. Some 23 per cent argued that universities should manage with the resources they have.

Half the parents want tuition fees scrapped and maintenance grants reintroduced, with per cent favouring a graduate tax to pay for these and 24 per cent looking to increase income tax.

Forty per cent said the system should be reformed so that only richer students pay fees and take out loans.