The National Union of Students penned the letter to the Chancellor slamming him for the "complete omission of higher education" in last month's Budget.

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       Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, the NUS vice president, said the Budget left students feeling "anxious, abandoned and uncared for".

       They seemed to be "an afterthought" with the Government saying it would "set out further details of the higher education settlement in the coming weeks," she said.

       Ms Gyebi-Ababio also addressed reports that ministers are planning to lower the salary level at which graduates must start to repay their student loan.

       She said: "Students and graduates are already saddled with tens of thousands of pounds of debt, so I would urge you to reconsider any plans you might have." Save the Student said the average loan falls far short of the average living costs.