Methods of debt relief such as debt relief orders and even IVAs may be in high demand among students after they finish their university courses according to Councillor Reg Watson of Carlisle City Council.
In an interview with a local newspaper, he spoke out against the idea of students facing astronomical debts which could prove particularly problematic when they decide they want to take out a mortgage.
"I think it's disgraceful - it is not the way to encourage education," he commented.
Councillor Watson added that he is also concerned about the employment prospects of those who are leaving university this year. His comments come after a National Student Debt Survey showed that those who started university in 2009 can expect to owe about £25,000 when they graduate.
The annual survey of 2,000 UK students for university guide Push also found average yearly debt had increased by 5.4% to £5,600 per year of study.
Push.co.uk editor Johnny Rich said: "We are at a crunch point for student debt. Many talented potential students may shy away when they hear a degree will cost £25,000."
He said that teenagers were already being put off from studying at university, and those from poorer backgrounds were most likely to miss out.
