Leading universities are hoping to win the freedom to impose big increases in what they charge to students from teaching after a review of the fees began Last weak.

The review, which is not expected to report until after the election, is being led by former BP chief executive Lord Browne of Madingley, who has said in the past that a fourfold increase, it would be unreasonable.

Vice-Chancellors and other scholars were careful not to put a figure on the maximum they can charge the students, saying the independent review should consider the evidence first. The top universities made it clear they were waiting for the freedom to raise fares substantially.

The Russell Group, representing the university-based research, called the current ceiling of unviable. “Our main institutions can not remain competitive internationally, provide a first experience in teaching and the level of generous support to provide disadvantaged students do not have access to greater funding,” said Wendy Piatt, director of the group, Overall, he said.

Steve Smith, president of Universities UK, said universities “must receive adequate funding to remain world class and changes in the system of fees should consider the implications for widening participation.”

The choice of Lord Browne, to chair the review appeared to be another indication that major universities, in particular, would benefit from the new fee regime. In 2002 called for increased funding, perhaps by a factor of four, although this was before variable fees were introduced.

He also urged a greater proportion of funds to be allocated to the investigation, said the quality of teaching should be improved.

Lord Browne’s appointment was welcomed by the CBI, which published a report two months ago saying that principals believe that the maximum rates of £ 5,000 a year would not prevent students from applying.

He and the other six members of the review announced by Lord Mandelson, the Secretary of activity, will have a broad mandate to discuss the challenges facing higher education and its impact on the funding of students. The investigation did not report until autumn next year because the original date of next summer. The terms were agreed between Lord Mandelson and the Conservatives, who have said they will not be bound by its conclusions if they win office, but want a thorough investigation.

Scope of review that will include part-time study. These represent 43 percent of the students, but are not able to apply for student loans and must pay tuition in advance.

Stephen Williams, universities Liberal Democrat spokesman said: “This test is nothing but a conspiracy between the Labor and Conservative plans designed to keep hiking up the fees on the agenda until after the general election .

Professor Les Ebdon, chair of million +, which represents new universities, said the timing of the review must not stifle debate on funding. “Political parties can not hide behind this fix rates,” he said.

Wes Streeting, president of the National Union of Students, said: “Members of the review should be in no doubt about the scale of public opposition to a hike in rates and the level of anger among students.”

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