Leader David Cameron has said that if his party wins the next general election he plans to restrict spending on all government departments apart from health, schools, defence and international development to a one per cent real increase in spending.

But Professor Les Ebdon, vice-chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire and chair of Million+ group of former polytechnics, claimed the move would be a backward step.

He said: "This would mean sub-inflation growth in universities and a cut in student numbers and would undoubtedly restrict the chance to go to university for very many younger and older students from families who have never yet had the opportunity to benefit from higher education.

"It would also restrict opportunities for those made unemployed and for businesses and the public sector which need to retrain staff."

Mr Ebdon said that what was actually needed was an increase in investment.

He said: "It is deeply disappointing that the Opposition is resiling on their previous commitment to widen participation and clearly has not appreciated the contribution of universities to the economy and the lifelong learning agenda.

"However, the government also needs to do more to support the role that universities can play in meeting the challenges of the economic downturn. Those made unemployed and put on short-time working must be able to access higher education without fear of incurring further individual debt or having their benefits cut.

"We need more government initiatives to make this possible."