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Higher education: Who benefits? Who pays?

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The Rt Hon David Willetts, former Universities Minister and now Visiting Professor at the Policy Institute, delves into the dynamics and complexities of the English higher education funding system, focusing in particular on its design, the factors influencing the controversial Resource Accounting and Budgeting charge, and the problems arising from the allocation of resources in public finances.

The paper argues that it would be a mistake to abandon the existing system, because it is sufficiently flexible to allow for different balances of private and public benefits and payments. The report finishes by advocating a new package of recommendations.