Lancaster University approves fourth ‘goodwill’ rent payment

Lancaster University has announced that students who can’t return to campus can apply for a fourth goodwill rent payment.

The government announced last week that all students who have not yet been asked to return to campus or in-person teaching will be able to do so from 17^th May 2021 at the earliest.

The university has responded that those who have not yet returned to their campus accommodation will ultimately face a delay in returning to their flats.

In an email sent to students living on campus, the vice-chancellor Professor Andy Schofield set out a response to the government’s announcement.

The email said: “In response, the University’s governing group, Council, has approved a fourth goodwill payment of £400 to those students who are not currently occupying their accommodation and who have been unable to return to their rooms since 4 January 2021 due to government guidelines.”

This fourth payment brings the university’s goodwill payments up to £1600 per student who has claimed since the initial payment.

The email continued to say: “There are scenarios in which you may return earlier to support the continuation of your studies, such as where you do not have access to appropriate alternative accommodation, facilities or study space, or you need to return for health or safety reasons or due to concern for your mental health or wellbeing.” These scenarios also include those studying medicine and social work or those who are on practical taught programmes such as engineering and biology.

Those wanting to apply for this fourth goodwill payment must do so by the deadline date of Friday 30th April 2021 through the form sent in the email.

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