UNIVERSITY of Worcester chief David Green is calling for "pound for pound" reimbursement should Government proposals to slash tuition fees by £5,000 get the green light.

The proposals are being drawn up for Chancellor Philip Hammond’s autumn budget amidst concerns from ministers that some universities are over charging students.

Vice-chancellor Green said he is backing the proposal but said over the last five years, the university’s Government grants have been reduced to less than £7M – a reduction of more than 80 per cent.

He said: "I am entirely in favour of reducing university tuition fees providing that the Government makes up the lost income to universities pound for pound by way of Government grant.

"I entirely support their campaign for lower tuition fees and the restoration of government grants to universities."

Government grants now account for just 7 per cent of the university’s total income.

He added: "I am in favour of abolishing fees altogether now for nursing and midwifery students. Fees for nursing and midwifery students went from zero to £9,250 by decision of the Government this January. The grants to universities for educating nurses and midwives were all but eliminated. The country desperately needs more high quality nurses and midwives. These are vital but relatively poorly paid professions and no fees should be charged.

"Only a few weeks ago, the Government decided to make the interest rate on student debt 6.1 per cent. Students and young graduates get nothing for this. It’s quite wrong and we should go back to the pre 2012 system where no interest is charged and any debt outstanding is only up-rated by the rate of inflation or less.

"The staff of the university do wonderful work in producing exciting courses and opportunities for students. Worcester graduates are in the top ten nationally for sustained employment after graduation.