Agenda item

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors Filmore, Kay, Brookes and Barry:

This council notes:

1.           Lancaster University intends to increase on-campus rents by 2.5% and international and postgraduate tuition fees by 5%.

2.           These increases come at a time when the University is running a substantial budget surplus.

3.           The Court of Lancaster University recently voted against the increases.

4.           The average on-campus rent advertised for 2015/16 is approx. £109 per week for a single room in shared accommodation.

5.           This let is equivalent to 76% of the maximum student maintenance loan, leaving some students dependant on their parents or part-time jobs to meet their basic living costs.

6.           The local housing allowance rate for a single bedroom in a shared house is approx. £55 per week, almost half the average rent on campus.

This council believes:

1.           Students make an important contribution to the prosperity of Lancaster and the district.

2.           That above inflation increases in rent and fees will cause some students considerable financial hardship.

3.           That the financial wellbeing of students is inextricably linked to the economic wellbeing of the district.

4.           That in the spirit of the university’s motto – 'truth lies open to all' – education at Lancaster University should be accessible for everyone.

This council resolves:

To write to the Vice Chancellor of Lancaster University, expressing serious concern regarding the proposed fee and rent increases, and ask what the University is doing to ensure students from unprivileged backgrounds are able to afford their studies.

An officer briefing note is attached.

Members who had declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this report earlier in the meeting left the Council Chamber at this point, as did Councillor Margaret Pattison. (Minute no. 119 refers.)

Councillor Blamire declared a personal interest as a Council appointed member of the Court of Lancaster University.

Councillor Filmore proposed the following motion having given the required notice to the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15:-

“This council notes:

1.           Lancaster University intends to increase on-campus rents by 2.5% and international and postgraduate tuition fees by 5%.

2.           These increases come at a time when the University is running a substantial budget surplus.

3.           The Court of Lancaster University recently voted against the increases.

4.           The average on-campus rent advertised for 2015/16 is approx. £109 per week for a single room in shared accommodation.

5.           This let is equivalent to 76% of the maximum student maintenance loan, leaving some students dependant on their parents or part-time jobs to meet their basic living costs.

6.           The local housing allowance rate for a single bedroom in a shared house is approx. £55 per week, almost half the average rent on campus.

This council believes:

1.           Students make an important contribution to the prosperity of Lancaster and the district.

2.           That above inflation increases in rent and fees will cause some students considerable financial hardship.

3.           That the financial wellbeing of students is inextricably linked to the economic wellbeing of the district.

4.           That in the spirit of the university’s motto – 'truth lies open to all' – education at Lancaster University should be accessible for everyone.

This council resolves:

To write to the Vice Chancellor of Lancaster University, expressing serious concern regarding the proposed fee and rent increases, and ask what the University is doing to ensure students from unprivileged backgrounds are able to afford their studies.”

Councillor Kay seconded the motion.

There was a lengthy debate on the proposal before a vote was taken and the motion was clearly carried.

Resolved:-

This council notes:

1.           Lancaster University intends to increase on-campus rents by 2.5% and international and postgraduate tuition fees by 5%.

2.           These increases come at a time when the University is running a substantial budget surplus.

3.           The Court of Lancaster University recently voted against the increases.

4.           The average on-campus rent advertised for 2015/16 is approx. £109 per week for a single room in shared accommodation.

5.           This let is equivalent to 76% of the maximum student maintenance loan, leaving some students dependant on their parents or part-time jobs to meet their basic living costs.

6.           The local housing allowance rate for a single bedroom in a shared house is approx. £55 per week, almost half the average rent on campus.

This council believes:

1.           Students make an important contribution to the prosperity of Lancaster and the district.

2.           That above inflation increases in rent and fees will cause some students considerable financial hardship.

3.           That the financial wellbeing of students is inextricably linked to the economic wellbeing of the district.

4.           That in the spirit of the university’s motto – 'truth lies open to all' – education at Lancaster University should be accessible for everyone.

This council resolves:

To write to the Vice Chancellor of Lancaster University, expressing serious concern regarding the proposed fee and rent increases, and ask what the University is doing to ensure students from unprivileged backgrounds are able to afford their studies.