Why higher tuition fees have left a £1bn-a-year black hole

Nick Clegg said the deficit meant fees had to rise. But the new system will cost the government more.

In defending the coalition’s decision to triple tuition fees from £3,000 to £9,000, Nick Clegg has frequently pointed to the size of the deficit. For instance, he commented in 2010:

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George Eaton

@georgeeaton

George Eaton is the New Statesman's senior editor (politics). He writes the Morning Call political briefing three times a week and contributes columns, features, interviews and leaders.