Liam Byrne MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Universities, Science and Skills,  responding to OBR evidence given to the Treasury Select Committee today on the Government’s student finance system costing taxpayers an additional £12bn over the next five years, said:

“This is a shocking revelation from the OBR. They have revealed there is now a £12billion black hole at the heart of the Government’s plans - and taxpayers are facing the prospect of picking up the tab.

“This is a spectacular failure from a Government which has trebled tuition fees in the middle of the cost-of-living crisis. We need a system that the students and the country can afford."