Tuesday 09-02-2021 - 15:20

The Students’ Union has had a series of meetings with senior University leaders, to try and bring them to the table, with the striking students. This was met with success, Deputy-Vice-Chancellor Steve Bradley met with Amy, Atree and Oliver along with lead organisers from the Rent Strike and after two such meetings, the University brought an offer to University Council. 

Last Friday, the Students’ Union President, Oliver Robinson, submitted a paper to University Council on the University’s proposal to give another £400 in “goodwill payments” to students who were unable to return to their accommodation (creating a collective total of £800 offered). Whilst the SU representatives on Council supported this move and therefore voted in favour of the proposal, there were some significant problems with their proposal, as detailed below. 

The Rent Strike is essentially around three major points. Firstly, the desire to ensure a rebate for students who are unable to access their campus rooms. The £800 offer is not a bad deal for most students, but for some students whose needs are greater, your officers will keep the pressure on. 

Secondly, attaining rebates for students currently living in their campus accommodation. There was strong pushback from senior University leaders around this, due to the belief that students are making use of the services they are paying for and shouldn’t be reinstated. Instead of concrete action, the University has chosen to re-launch its hardship programme, where they promise greater access for students who may be struggling to fund their studies. This is a provision which should already be in place and not a tool for the University to use, to avoid real action in response to the issues at hand.  

Thirdly, fighting for better mental health support.  Our Vice President Welfare, Amy Merchant, has made significant progress by supporting the introduction of an out of hours service. We know that students live and work outside of a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday routine and should be able to receive support at times convenient for them. This will be a major win for students if the university delivers on their promise. Whilst it may take some time to get it finalised, your officers will continue to push and get progress updates. 

Whilst progress has been made in two out of three areas, we believe that some students are being ignored by the University. Your Officers will continue to work with the Rent Strike organisers and to push for a settlement that represents a fair outcome for all. 

If you have any concerns or would like to discuss this further, please email Oliver Robinson, President, at su.president@lancaster.ac.uk.