University unions in Leeds call for rent relief for students during pandemic

University unions in Leeds have launched a campaign to tackle the financial impact of coronavirus on the city's student population.
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Leeds Beckett, the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity's student unions have joined forces to call for rent relief measures for the 70,000 students they represent across Leeds.

The Leeds Student Rent Relief campaign has been launched following a National Union of Students (NUS) survey, which found that four in five students are concerned about their ability to

manage financially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

University unions in Leeds have joined forces for the campaignUniversity unions in Leeds have joined forces for the campaign
University unions in Leeds have joined forces for the campaign
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The study found a fifth of students are ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ concerned - with a trend towards international and disabled students struggling in particular.

The new campaign calls for landlords to take up mortgage payment holidays to help them find solutions and payment plans to student renters.

Campaigners are also encouraging rent reductions or early tenancy releases to students where possible and they have provided resources to help students communicate with their landlords.

The unions have sent a letter to the Chief Executive and 15 members of Leeds City Council outlining its three main calls, as well as a letter to Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP.

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Jess Carrier, Welfare and Community Officer leading the campaign for Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, said: "The Covid-19 Pandemic has highlighted the financial inequalities that affect so many students across Leeds.

"Rent levels continue to rise way above the average student loan, meaning many students have to be supported by families or take up part time work - both are now no longer viable.

"Accommodations lay empty, yet students are still being charged full rent and utilities in many cases. We are urging landlords and agents to be flexible in their approach, and provide rent relief and reductions to students.”

To access the campaign's advice and resources visit leedsstudentrentrelief.luu.org.ukA message from the Editor:

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