The Labour Government is facing mounting criticism for being indifferent to
students, a survey has revealed.
According to the data from Student Accredited Private Rental Sector
(SAPRS), a coalition of student accommodation providers, two-thirds (66%)
of the British public believe the government doesn’t care about students.
Also, 54% of those surveyed view the university sector as being in a poor
state.
The Renters’ Rights Bill
The public’s concerns coincide with the Renters’ Rights Bill
progressing to the Lords
and the chair of SAPRS, Calum MacInnes, said: “This research illustrates
the widespread concern about the state of the higher education system, of
which the supply and cost of attending and living at university plays a
central role.
“The government must amend the Bill to avoid further dismantling the
student housing sector and deliver a better and more secure deal for
students across the country.”
Among the aims of the Bill is to end fixed-term tenancy agreements, a move
strongly opposed by the higher education sector.
Ending of fixed term tenancies
Universities UK and the Higher Education Policy Institute are among those
which have warned that the ending of fixed term tenancies will threaten the
availability of student housing.
They also say that affordability and the quality of student accommodation
will be affected – in a sector which is already facing a severe crisis.
That’s because student housing relies heavily on these tenancies, which
align with academic terms and provide stability for both students and
landlords.
By dismantling this system, critics say the Bill risks reducing housing
options for students, creating uncertainty and disrupting a
well-functioning student rental market.
Despite widespread opposition from higher education institutions and
student housing providers, the government has rejected amendments to
protect fixed-term tenancies for the sector.
Student housing crisis
SAPRS points to Scotland which has implemented similar legislation and is
now experiencing a student housing crisis to serve as a stark warning for
the rest of the UK.
The UK’s student housing shortage is already a critical issue, with one
student accommodation platform predicting a shortfall of 490,000 beds by
2026.
The crisis is further exacerbated by a recent survey revealing that nearly
half of landlords are unwilling to rent to students.
That trend is likely to worsen, SAPRS warns, with the proposed changes to
tenancy agreements.
Actions risk alienating students
The coalition of second- and third-year student accommodation providers
says that the government’s actions risk alienating students, a crucial
voting bloc for the Labour Party. That warning comes as many students are
currently grappling with the
recent announcement of increased tuition fees.
The SAPRS survey reveals that half of the British public believes that
higher tuition fees will deter young people from pursuing higher education
in future.
SAPRS also says its survey highlights the public’s limited confidence in
the higher education sector and the government’s lack of attention towards
students generally.
Challenges for the UK’s student landlords
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said:
“The Renters’ Rights Bill poses significant challenges for the UK’s student
landlords.
“The proposed abolition of fixed-term tenancies threatens to disrupt the
established balance between student needs and landlord security.
“This change will lead to increased uncertainty for landlords, potentially
reducing their willingness to rent to students and making the student
housing shortage worse.”
He added: “Landlords must carefully consider the potential consequences of
these legislative changes and push for amendments that protect their
interests while ensuring a sustainable and stable rental market for
students.”
