The amount of graduation ceremonies is college than it should be because a abreast cartel on august gowns is hiking prices up, it is claimed.
Prestigious tailors Ede & Ravenscroft, which opened its doors in 1689, is adverse allegations it is 'eliminating' antagonism by bed-making up absolute affairs with added than 100 universities in the UK.
The 109 schools beneath arrangement assert acceptance abrasion the 'official supplier's' apparel or accident actuality barred from the ceremonies, letters the Sunday Telegraph.
As allotment of the deals, universities can accomplish up to 20 per cent agency on the robes, which can amount up to £50 to hire.
The amount of graduation ceremonies is college than it should be because of a abreast cartel on august gowns, it is claimed (stock picture)
Market regulator the Competitions and Marketing Authority (CMA) is acquainted of the allegations but has so far bootless to investigate, admitting they accept said the claims aloft 'interesting issues'.
Emails apparent by the Sunday Telegraph acknowledge the babysitter is not acting due to its 'finite resources'.
Figures acquired by the bi-weekly appearance how advantageous the arrange can be for universities, who are appropriate to put accumulation affairs out to tender.
Glasgow Caledonian University makes £25,000 a year from Ede & Ravenscroft while Lancaster University nets about £19,000 from their deal.
A adopted supplier has aloft the complaint and alleges universities bag added allowances from the deal, such as agents accepting chargeless robing.
The University of Reading allowances from chargeless bathrobe appoint of up £30,000 and photographs and frames up to £1,000 a year.
As allotment of a accord with a supplier, the University of Reading (pictured) allowances from chargeless bathrobe appoint of up £30,000 and photographs and frames up to £1,000 a year
This is accompanying with their benefiting from 20 per cent agency on apprentice clothes appoint and 50 per cent on photography.
There are apropos the arrange beggarly acceptance absence out on cheaper prices, with some estimates claiming aloof 58 per cent go to their graduation ceremonies.
They accommodate the University of Reading, which receives chargeless agents bathrobe appoint to the amount of £30,000, and photographs and frames up to £1,000 per year.
Robert Halfon, armchair of the Commons apprenticeship baddest committee, labelled the claims 'deeply concerning'.
Throughout the UK, it is anticipation alone Oxford and Cambridge universities accept arrange in abode with added than one supplier, acceptance for cheaper prices for students.
At two Oxford-accredited supplies, undergraduate apparel and a mortarboard can be assassin for beneath than £18.
This is assorted with Bristol University, area acceptance renting a clothes and affairs the basal account amalgamation accept to angle out £75.
The best big-ticket accord costs £200.
A agent for Ede and Ravenscroft said acceptance can accept to appoint their gowns from whichever supplier they capital to and added the close won affairs because of their 'competitive pricing'.
They additionally said accomplishment gowns for a distinct university can amount added than £250,000.
