MOVES to increase student tuition fees were last night condemned by the University of Bolton.

The current cap of £3,500 a year is up for review by the Government later this year — and speculation has already started about what will happen.

A survey has revealed that the majority of vice-chancellors want students to pay a set fee of £5,000 per year or for there to be no upper limit.

But University of Bolton bosses disagree with the push for higher fees in a time of economic downturn.

Deputy vice-chancellor Dr Peter Marsh, said: “We would not support a substantial increase in fees at a time of recession and any proposed changes in fees determined by the Government ought to reflect the general cost of living and economic situation.

“We also do not support a complete removal of the fees cap by Government.”

In the BBC survey, two-thirds of vice-chancellors said they needed to raise fees, suggesting levels of between £4,000 and £20,000 per year.

The National Union of Students has warned that an average student could graduate with an average debt of £32,000 for students if fees rise to £7,000 a year.

Alan Bailey, vice-president of the student’s union at Salford University, said: “It is a bad idea to increase tuition fees in a time of recession.

“In this economic climate the Government should be encouraging people to expand their skills and make education more, not less, accessible.

“Students are already struggling and leaving with huge debts. Tuition fees should be abolished not increased. It is possible to have a free university education as has been proved in Scotland and, to an extent, in Wales. In a time of recession, investment in education should be a priority to benefit the economy.”

He added: “It is the start of a slippery slope by increasing fees now.