UNION leaders last night warned ministers against a “cosy stitch-up” on tuition fees.

The comments came as a new survey found that more than two-thirds of the public believe students should be represented on the funding review group.

It would be “totally unacceptable” for the review panel to be filled with “Government patsies” and individuals who want to see tuition fees raised, according to the National Union of Students (NUS).

The long-awaited review of the student funding system is due to be launched today, but will not report back until after the next General Election.

A poll of more than 2,000 adults commissioned by pressure group Compass, found that 71% think students should be represented on the group.

Only one in eight (12%) wants the review group to even consider raising the cap on fees.

NUS president Wes Streeting said: “This poll shows that the public will not stand for a cosy stitch-up on university fees. At a time of economic crisis, when many hard-working families are struggling to support their offspring through university, a hike in fees is the last thing we need.”