Graduate tax on the way
The government will continue with its student top-up fees policy next term but will drop the controversial label in favour of 'individualised graduate tax'.
Link: Graduate tax on the way
While the renewed push will not differ in terms of content, the alternative spin is hoped to persuade dissident Labour backbenchers that the system is fair.
‘This package contains all the best elements of a graduate tax,’ the Times reported one official as saying. ‘You pay nothing up front and only start to repay once you are earning over £15,000.
‘The levy is limited to what you and only you owe, and students will not end up paying many times over.’
The Times reported that officials are furious the term ‘top-up fees’ ever came to light.
The Bill is expected to be formally announced in the Queen’s Speech, with information packs already produced for Labour backbenchers to study on their return from the summer recess.
