New poll reveals public oppose university fees increase

The poll, from the National union of Students (NUS) and pressure group Compass, showed that only one in ten people (12%) wanted to see the fees review group consider raising university fees, with over half (52%) saying they would like to see fees abolished. Three-fifths (59%) believe there must be lecturers represented on the core review group and a huge majority (81%) said the review must be conducted in public.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'The NUS findings back up our recent poll that showed just how unpopular raising university fees would be with the general public. There is little doubt in my view that a higher fees policy would cost a party valuable votes at the ballot box. However, that does not make it acceptable for the main parties to use this review as an excuse to duck the issue ahead of the election.

'All the parties must clearly state their fee policies to ensure that students and their parents can make an informed choice at the ballot box and add their voices to the debate on the future of university funding. The review needs to be allowed to be properly conducted with the relevant voices, particular those of academics and students, on the core group.'

• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,152 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3-5 November 2009.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+)
• For the full results, contact the NUS press office on 07866 695 010