PLANS to create a university “access regulator” were branded a disgrace yesterday as it emerged that students could face debts of up to £21,000 at the end of their studies.

Universities will have to satisfy the government regulator that they are fulfilling their obligations to take more working-class students. The plan, revealed in The Times last week, will also allow tuition fees to triple in some cases, as universities are allowed to charge up to £3,000 a year.

Damian Green, the Shadow Education Secretary, said that the idea of a regulator was a disgrace. “It cuts away at academic freedom. Universities are supposed to be independent institutions and it’s unfair. There will be children who work hard for their A levels expecting to get to university who are the told by the regulator that their face does not fit.”

Phil Willis, the Liberal Democrat education spokesman, said that many would be deterred from going to university by the prospect of debt.

Charles Clarke, the Education Secretary, indicated yesterday that he expected student debt to rise by as much as 50 per cent. He confirmed that the present £1,100 fee would be abolished and students asked to repay their debts only once they graduate and start work. Repayments will rise in line with their earnings.

Mr Clarke made no attempt to deny that there had been a bitter political battle with Gordon Brown, the Chancellor, over the final shape of the White Paper proposals. Mr Brown opposes variable fees and believes universities cannot be trusted to spend the extra money effectively without management reforms.

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