Only one in three English university vice- chancellors back Labour's plan to scrap tuition fees, a survey reveals.

Thirty-two per cent are in favour of ending fees, while 64 per cent are against it, the poll by Times Higher Education found.

There are concerns about the impact of Labour's policy on university funding, even among vice-chancellors who support abolishing fees.

Education Secretary Justine Greening (pictured) has said scrapping fees would mean fewer disadvantaged students go to university

Asked whether they believe that a government that ended fees in England would be able to make up the shortfall in university income from public funding, only 16 per cent of vice-chancellors said yes, and 84 per cent said no.

One vice-chancellor, who thought the current system sustainable, said: 'Labour's policy seems counter-intuitive if the aim is social mobility.

'It would have to lead to the imposition of student number controls and would equate to a transfer of resources to the middle class.'

Meanwhile, 52 per cent of college leaders are implementing contingency plans in case Labour is elected.

Thirty-two per cent of English university vice chancellors are in favour of ending fees (file pic)

Education Secretary Justine Greening has said scrapping fees would mean fewer disadvantaged students go to university. She has called Labour's election pledge to write off student debt a 'false promise'.

She said: 'The Labour Party should come clean to young people and be up front with them about the consequences of its no-fees policy.'

The survey comes two months before fees rise again to £9,250 a year at most universities.

Universities minister Jo Johnson wants all universities to be allowed to raise fees in line with inflation, provided they can provide excellent teaching.