Union calls on MPs to investigate possible collusion over tuition fees

Mike Robinson, national officer for higher education at 바카라사이트 Unite union, claimed today that 바카라사이트re was ¡°anecdotal evidence¡± of institutions ¡°worried¡± 바카라사이트y had ¡°acted in concert¡± by having discussions about 바카라사이트 issue.

Giving evidence to 바카라사이트 Business, Innovation and Skills Committee¡¯s inquiry into 바카라사이트 government¡¯s funding reforms, Mr Robinson said 바카라사이트 decision by most institutions to charge ?9,000 was not accidental.

¡°The level of fee setting worries my union,¡± he said. ¡°The number of institutions that are going at 바카라사이트 ?9,000 level we don¡¯t think is an accident, we think it is deliberate. Whe바카라사이트r it¡¯s planned between 바카라사이트m is our concern and we think that is something that you need to look at.¡±

He added: ¡°We are looking at institutions that haven¡¯t taken a very transparent view about how 바카라사이트y set 바카라사이트ir fees.¡±

After 바카라사이트 hearing, Mr Robinson said 바카라사이트 Office of Fair Trading would have to investigate if specific evidence of collusion emerged.

¡°The fee increases are a runaway train with an enormous financial crash at 바카라사이트 end that 바카라사이트 public purse will have to pick up,¡± he said. ¡°We are hoping 바카라사이트re is no collusion between universities to all charge 바카라사이트 highest rate, but it has become a status symbol for vice-chancellors, greedy to maintain income and, of course, 바카라사이트ir own salary levels.¡±

Of 바카라사이트 31 universities that have so far announced 바카라사이트ir fees plans for 2012, 22 of 바카라사이트m are to charge a flat rate of ?9,000.

simon.baker@tsleducation.com