Lancaster University Tenants Union has full backing from LUSU
Friday 07-02-2025 - 11:13
Written by Ollie Earnshaw & Emily Woods
This message comes following a paper and discussion at Union Assembly, written by Ollie Earnshaw, Former County College JCR President, and Emily Woods, current Pendle College JCR President.
On the 4th of February, Lancaster University Students’ Union voted to express their unwavering support for The Lancaster University Tenants Union.
Hi! We’re Ollie and Emily from the Lancaster University Tenants Union. This week we passed our papers in the Union Assembly for the Students Union to support Lancaster University Tenants Union. This vote marks an important step in ensuring that students are not only aware of the decisions that affect them, but they’re involved in the process behind them. A decrease of on-campus rent is paramount to student wellbeing, and the University should make decisions which focuses on taking down barriers to education, rather than putting them up.
Why is this important?
The NUS affordability threshold, which states that accommodation shouldn’t cost more than 50% of the maximum student loan, equals £127 per week for campus accommodation. I’m sure we’re all aware none of us are paying this, the cheapest accommodation on campus being £146 per week!
Yes, this is ridiculously too expensive. We researched the current accommodation prices for 20 other campus universities across the country; the cheapest option at Lancaster was more expensive than every single one.
Most campus accommodation is contracted to UPP (a provider of campus accommodation), but some is fully owned by The University. Those contracted to UPP, legally must increase by a set figure every year. Those owned by The University, are up to The University to set the rent.
This is all we know. The University publishes no information in regard to rent increases. That’s the process behind it, the previous rent prices, the level of ‘student consultation’ that they say takes place, the split between more affordable and premium rooms and more.
This is what we’re working towards. It’s the duty of The University to publish information on decisions they make that negatively impact students’ pockets.
What actually happened?
On the 4th of February, we passed through papers (The SU’s version of a bill) at Union Assembly (The SU’s version of Parliament). All 5 points voted on passed 29 votes for and 0 against!
The paper states that it’s the belief of the Assembly that the following statements are correct:
1) At least 40% of campus accommodation should meet the NUS affordability threshold.
2) Accommodation increases obliged to a contractual minimum should be increased by that minimum and no more
3) Campus rent increases for accommodation fully owned by The University, with no minimum contractual increase(s) need to be capped at the percentage increase of the Student Loan
4) The University needs to publish more information regarding the process behind rent increases, the rent prices from previous years, the split between affordable and premium accommodation and the number of accessible rooms.
See this link if you’re interested in the details: Support for the Lancaster Tenants Union Rent Campaign Policy
What does this mean?
This means The Tenant’s Union now has full backing from The Students’ Union.
Other than that? Honestly, so far, nothing. The campaign for decreased campus rent is only beginning. We will work to hold The University accountable, decisions made that affect your wallet should not be made behind curtains. Students should not be frozen out of the process.
A survey will come out soon, asking you your own experiences, so keep your eye on it.
Take this as a call for your help! For this campaign to succeed we need you!
Thank you for taking your time to read. See the following Instagram and WhatsApp links if you’re interested in getting involved.
