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Asking students to accept increased debt as a future increment on income tax reflects the simplistic accounting that has led to the country's financial plight ("Willetts floats idea of separating teaching and examining", www.timeshighereducation.co.uk, 10 June).

The student loan/debt system has not only increased our total debt - borrowing from the future rather than paying out of taxation - but has also encouraged universities and accommodation providers to pile on the charges. It has inflated costs, rather than provided efficient minimum-cost services.

Inflated pay, managerial numbers and accommodation charges all relate to the ease of inflating student loans. With little competition in the fees market, universities press for more. If the coalition is to tackle the profligate living on credit encouraged under Labour, removing the cap on university fees is surely the wrong move.

Max Wallis, Cardiff University.