Wednesday 27-03-2019 - 14:59

Since 2016/17 the SU has been working to support international and estranged students by lobbying the University to introduce a Rent Guarantor Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to have the University act as a rent guarantor when a student otherwise would not have access to a UK-based guarantor. Without the scheme, students may be asked to pay extortionate amounts of money in order to secure private accommodation in Durham, which can create additional and unnecessary stress.

This work was started by an International student who submitted a policy to our Assembly, calling for the Union to lobby the University to introduce a rental guarantor scheme, similar to schemes already successfully implemented by UCL and Edinburgh. Following this, the former Welfare and Liberation Officer, Rosa Tallack, successfully lobbied the University to introduce a pilot of such a scheme from Michaelmas term 2018. Unfortunately, due to continuous stalling from the University, this has not happened. I am incredibly disappointed and frustrated that this is the case, six months on from the beginning of Michaelmas term.

My predecessor and I have both worked tirelessly to push the University on this issue and on numerous occasions have been led to believe that work was being done to get the scheme in place as soon as possible. Over the past six months I have repeatedly asked the University for an update on progress being made and have been told things are with the University’s ‘legal team’. It has become clear to me that the University are not prioritising the scheme and consequently are letting down a large number of students who could have already benefitted from the implementation of the scheme. I have had multiple students get in touch with me, expressing that they have been unable to secure private accommodation as they were relying on this scheme being put in place by Michaelmas 2018. These students have been let down by their University.

I am therefore calling upon the University to take immediate action in rectifying this, by implementing the pilot scheme that was promised to students over six months ago. I also wish to apologise to the students who have been let down by the lack of progress in this area, and reassure you that I am doing all that I can to ensure the University act upon the promises they have made.

As always, I would encourage you to get in touch with the University’s Student Support Fund if you are struggling financially for any reason, but especially if you are unable to fund your private rented accommodation due to the lack of a guarantor.

If you have been affected by this issue, and would like to get in touch with me, please do: su.welflib@durham.ac.uk