Setting the precedent of bringing in retrospective fees/taxes is potentially dangerous. Why stop at those who attended university after all? Or require that child benefit to be repaid? Or stop NHS dentistry and reclaim the private cost (or has that one already happened given the bills I seem to end up with for a simple hygienist appointment?)

How would you differentiate between those who went when there were full student grants and no fees? Those who had student loans but no fees? And what about those whose family situation at the time would have got them reduced fees under new rules?

The problem is that, especially in London, higher-rate tax payer does not necessarily equal well-off particularly for those who live alone and don't have a dual income. I'd love there to be some 'London weighting' in all tax allowances to reflect the higher cost of living.