Universities could reduce potential student debt or protect teaching and research by being more imaginative about how they are run. The study calls for the HE sector to outsource functions like maintenance and accommodation that have little to do with education.

There are big savings to be had from universities sharing services like finance, human resources or student records. Up to 30% of the total cost could be saved if more services were shared, according to estimates. Across the entire HE sector, that would mean total savings of £2.7 billion.