to think that massive debts on Uni fees will have a knock on effect on the housing market?

[donkeyderby]

What happens when a graduate earns enough to be in a position to get a mortgage? Won't they then be slammed with paying off debts from University which will either stop them qualifying for a mortgage in the first place, or make their outgoings unsustainable? Add to this a VAT rise, massive fuel bill rises etc.

I agree with seeker - I think the new system won't discourage people who want to do degrees that lead to low paid careers, maybe even the opposite..

Take music degrees for example - it's extremely difficult to make a lot of money as a professional musician they do it for the love of music - the new system will mean they can afford to do their degree in the knowledge that the most likely scenario is that they will end up paying less for it than under the current system.

People who plan to be stay at home mothers and or work part time for relatively low pay will also be advantaged by the new system and, dare I say it, for anyone planning to sponge off benefits for their entire career a degree is now the obvious starting point.