Stirling University accommodation rent rise challenged by MSP after campus controversy

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Stirling University chiefs have been urged to reverse planned rent rises at student accommodation by a local MSP.The mooted rises of between seven and nine per cent are set to come into effect from the beginning of the next academic year and have proved controversial on campus, with a rally held last month protesting the changes.The university’s Solidarity Space society, who organised the rally, claim the rent rises could leave those on the lowest level of student loan facing a ‘double-digit budget’ to live on after rent costs in the cheapest accommodation are removed.It has been calling for the decision to be reversed - a message that has now been taken up by Mid Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell.Mr Ruskell has now written to the university’s principal to demand urgent action, with the rent rises raised in a meeting of Holyrood’s Education and Skills Committee.During that meeting, Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey, confirmed that he would be writing formally to the university.Mr Ruskell contrasted the possible nine per cent at student accommodation to the 2.9 per cent increase agreed in social housing by Stirling Council.The MSP said: “The University of Stirling’s decision to increase rents in student halls by up to nine per cent in the middle of the most acute cost of living crisis in a generation is deeply shocking.“The University has significant financial reserves, yet prospective students are being plunged into poverty to protect the institution’s savings.“I’m glad to hear that the Minister plans to write formally to the University of St Andrews about their decision to increase rents, and I look forward to seeing their reply to the Minister and my own letter of concern.“The University has a chance to make