The University has agreed to the York Students’ Union’s demands to mitigate the rent planned for on-campus accommodation next year.
The University had planned to increase prices across the board by up to 9% and had previously warned students and York SU that this was non-negotiable. However, after intervention from York SU, the University has agreed not to raise prices by above an average of 6%, which has been the general historical trend for rent increases.
York SU claims this decision has saved students around £1.7 million.
The University also agreed to include student consultation before any decisions on rent are made and to commit to a minimum standard for accommodation. Additionally, the University intends to remove the room banding system, in which accommodation is split into tiers per college.
A spokesperson for York SU said on Instagram: “To be clear we do not endorse any increase in accommodation rent. But we’re happy that we have been able to push the university to an average of 5-6%and an approach that we took after consultation and agreement with College Chairs and Presidents and SUmmit reps. We will now be pushing the University to make financial support more accessible and more effective for students.”
The University recently announced £15 million more in cuts after a series of previous voluntary redundancies. York SU has criticised what it says is an “attempt to push their cost burden onto students.”
A University spokesperson told York Vision: “We have listened to our students and worked with York SU to reach an agreement which we think is fair and proportionate and we thank them for their constructive conversations.
“We recognise the financial challenges our students face and remain committed to offering a variety of rooms to support different needs and budgets.
“The University is not immune to outside pressures and the rent increases are necessary to cover the rising costs, such as building maintenance and utility bills and are comparable across the sector. Our priority has, and always will be, to provide quality, affordable accommodation while ensuring a diverse range of options for our students.”
The University has confirmed to York Vision that rents will rise by an average of 6%. What effect these late developments may have on the Students’ Union election results remains to be seen.