On 21st July, the Liberal Democrat MP for Southport and Lib Dem Spokesperson for Education John Pugh has criticised universities which are already advertising annual tuition fees above the current £9,000 cap, a move which breaks current rules.

John Pugh criticised the Conservative government for not being more open about their plans for university funding or the circumstances in which universities may be able to charge above the current £9,000 cap.

John Pugh, said it was “disgraceful arrogance” from some universities, adding:

“This Bill is not a done deal and many people have real covers about the plan to increase fees.

“The real question is whether the Government is giving these institutions the green light to advertise higher fees. They’ve not even shown their plans for linking fee rises to Parliament, so why are they giving universities the impression they will pass their teaching quality assessment?”

The Government finally pushed through measure, yesterday on the last day Parliament – possibly in the hope that few people would notice the move.