Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

The innovative research offered by the UK''s universities may be put at risk if the government''s planned funding cutbacks go ahead, an expert suggests.

According to Johnny Rich, editor of the independent university guide Push.co.uk, reductions in higher education finances could have serious consequences.

Speaking after the funding notification recently sent to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) by Lord Mandelson, Mr Rich commented: "We need the innovation, the research and the science and other research done by universities.

"When you cut funding, you put that in jeopardy or you put the quality of it in jeopardy."

The expert went on to suggest that higher tuition fees may be on the cards for students in the future, as universities seek to make up for shortfalls in the funding they receive from ministers.

Following Lord Mandelson''s letter to the HEFCE, the University and College Union also expressed concern about the implications that funding reductions may have.