Student housing crisis: 'Luxury' digs reallocated to asylum seekers
Around 170 university students had to scramble to find new accommodation after their block was reallocated to asylum seekers.
The students had booked rooms in what has been marketed as 'luxury' student housing.
This purpose-built student accommodation, located close to Huddersfield University's campus, boasts amenities such as a cinema room and gym.
The affected housing complex, known as HD1 student halls, was designed to house up to 405 students, with rents costing up to £200 per week.
Students had already signed tenancy agreements
Unfortunately, for the students who had already signed tenancy agreements and were preparing for the academic year, their plans have been upended.
They have had their monies refunded and local Labour MP Barry Sheerman told the Daily Mail: "It's a total mess.
"Quite ruthlessly, they have dumped students who have built all their hopes and plans on these rather nice residences they thought they were going to get."
He added: "The government has got to get a grip on this - the Office for Students isn't fit for purpose."
'The building will not be opening to students'
The student studio flats are managed by Prestige Student Living and a spokesperson said: "Hudd Student Management, the landlord for HD1, informed us that the building will not be opening to students in September.
"This decision is beyond the control of Prestige Student Living.
"Our team took immediate action to inform students and help them secure alternative accommodation in Huddersfield and return all payments made to us."
The spokesperson added: "We deeply sympathise with the students affected by the news and will do all we can to support them.
"Our agreement with the Hudd Student Management has terminated with immediate effect."
The landlord declined to comment.
'Genuinely shocked' by the news
Nick Hillman, the director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, said he was 'genuinely shocked' by the news.
He told the Daily Telegraph: "It's one thing for the Home Office to block-book an empty hall of residence that is brand new or empty but to let students down like this just before term starts seems pretty outrageous – especially when Huddersfield was identified earlier this week as an amber risk in terms of a shortage of student beds."
He added the Home Office and landlords had a 'moral duty' to help the students but claimed that university accommodation is 'not generally taken as seriously in Whitehall' as other types of housing.
'Government's reliance on emergency accommodation'
The Shadow Immigration Minister, Stephen Kinnock, said: "Students are paying the price for the Government's reliance on emergency accommodation."
A Home Office spokesperson said: "We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being put on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country.
"We continue to work across government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options.
"The government remains committed to engaging with local authorities and key stakeholders as part of this process."
'Sad situation for students'
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said: "This is a sad situation for students having to find somewhere to live at short notice, but not unexpected.
"And, despite the growing demand in the student accommodation sector, I wouldn't be surprised to see more landlords opt to rent their accommodation to the Home Office.
"It doesn't have to be this way and as the MP Barry Shearman says, this really is a mess."
He added: "This is yet another reason why the government needs to attract landlords to the sector - and help those who are offering student accommodation to remain in it."
