Peers are to debate controversial plans to raise student tuition fees in England to as much as £9,000 a year.

There were violent clashes between protesters and police as the Commons approved the proposals last Thursday - after a rebellion by Lib Dem MPs.

Although the government has a majority of 40 in the Lords, Labour peers hope to be able to delay the fee rise.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11988333

Well a delay might not have any impact on the collapse in student numbers, that I expect. It will be the increase in interest rates that will be the real killer. You will have another huge debt that you need to cover before you get a mortgage so house prices long term will struggle unless the bank of mum and dad help out.

The vote went in favour of the government in the end.

Not unexpected. The problem is that too many parents expect their kids to go to university. If the numbers are cut substantially then the costs of providing free education will plummet as well. Maintenance grants could be means tested and the need for loans restricted. Rushing this legislation through does no good. It needs to be thought through. Though millions of kids should not expect to go to university, especially if they are just average academically.

Err, they already are!

I know but maybe under a fairer method. Maybe starting at a higher income, allowance for other kids at university etc, and different clawback rates.