Row over university accommodation fees during lockdown
Plymouth Rent Strike are calling on the University of Plymouth to waiver rent for students unable to access their accommodation
Some Plymouth students are having to pay for accommodation, they're not able to live in, because of the lockdown.
A group of students at the University of Plymouth, are calling for their rent to be cancelled during this time.
Other universities, including Plymouth Marjon have already committed to doing that.
Plymouth Rent Strike say "It feels like we're being bled dry, to keep the universities afloat", calling on the university to waiver rent for students unable to access their accommodation.
_"No student should pay a penny for accommodation they're barred from accessing."_
The group are also demanding a 40% rent reduction for students in halls of residence.
In response, the University of Plymouth issued this statement:
"Our key priority at this time is to maintain the physical and mental health of our students, staff and wider community. We have been in constant communication with students throughout the pandemic to offer support and advice as government guidance has evolved. During the current lockdown, we have been in touch with all students to ensure they have information on all the support available to them.
"The majority of students are in private (non-university managed) accommodation which makes the situation more complex."
The university told us it will be setting up an 'enhanced hardship fund':
"We recognise the difficulties that some students might face, such as needing help with rent or additional internet connectivity for those at home. This fund will be open to applications from both home and international students and at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
"We will, of course, continue to explore other solutions too with government and others."