Warwick is ‘reviewing’ their position on accommodation fees following strike plans

Today, Warwick University has issued a new statement regarding their stance, following the planned student rent strike that gained over 500 sign ups in 48 hours.

Students have demanded that the University cut rent by 40% for this academic year, provide more financial and mental health support for students, and demand no Covid-related job losses for staff, supporting Warwick UCU.

A spokesperson shared Warwick’s latest statement on the situation:

“Following the announcement by the Prime Minister on the 4th of January of a new national lockdown and the restrictions on movement which have been imposed, we are reviewing our position on campus accommodation fees for this term.

“We expect to be able to give students the details on the outcome of that review in the coming days.”

Thousands of students across the country have signed up to withhold their rent payments over concerns with how their return to university has been handled.

Warwick Rent Strike gave this statement on their Twitter, following the University’s announcement:

“We are pleased to hear that [Warwick] are finally reviewing accommodation fees after mounting pressure from the student body and the ongoing rent strike. However, we would like to assert that our demands have not changed.

“The announcement does not mention off-campus Warwick managed accommodation or a rent reduction for those staying in their accommodation. Nor does it mention the rest of our demands including better financial and mental health services for those affected by the pandemic.

“The only reason Warwick is re-evaluating its position is because of student voices and mobilisation. Collective action works and we would like to make it clear that we will CONTINUE striking until ALL our demands are met, and ALL students are being treated fairly.”

A Department for Education spokesperson made the following statement:

“We understand this has been a very difficult time for students, which is why we have prioritised their education and wellbeing from the start of this pandemic.

“We encourage universities and private accommodation providers to be fair, clear and have the interests of students at heart.

“We recently announced up to £20 million to help students most in need of support in these exceptional circumstances, in addition to an existing £256 million universities can use to help those in financial hardship.”

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