Blair expected to delay vote of top up fees

Tuesday, 2 December 2003 5:51 AM

The crucial Commons vote on top-up fees is to be postponed until the New Year, but Downing Street is "categorically" against ditching the controversial reforms of higher education funding, it was revealed last night.

Tony Blair last night turned down a request by Education Secretary Charles Clarke to hold the crucial vote on top-up fees before Christmas.

Under the proposals, universities have the chance to raise tuition fees of up to £3,000 a year in a bid to plug the ever-widening funding shortfall.

Though the fees are repayable after graduation, critics say, with the prospect of debts of £30,000, top up fees will put working class students off going to elite universities.

The Prime Minister is expected to say at his monthly televised press conference at No 10 this morning that the vote will now come in January.

Pundits speculate the New Year may witness an unparalleled political bruising for the Prime Minister.

January could be exceedingly damaging for the Labour Government, as Lord Hutton will publish his report into the suicide of Dr David Kelly.

The delay has come about because the Government has failed to win around a sufficient number of rebel Labour MPs opposed to the introduction of university top up fees.

The Higher Education Bill may come before Christmas, though the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman declined to comment on the prospect.

Yesterday, a total of 140 Labour MPs signed a Commons motion voicing concern about the effects on students from families on modest or lower middle incomes.

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