GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS FOR TOP-UP FEES

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That this House agrees with Government research which indicates that debt and the fear of debt are significant barriers to higher education particularly for under represented groups; notes with concern proposals in the Higher Education White Paper which would significantly increase debt for students on graduation; believes the new proposals will create a two-tier university system, with access based more on the ability to pay than merit; calls on the Government to abandon the idea of top-up fees and to abolish tuition fees for undergraduates throughout the United Kingdom; and supports the restoration of maintenance grants for less affluent students to ensure that access to higher education is open to all.