Builders to be challenged over why accommodation blocks are not ready at start of term

The universities minister has called a summit to address the problem of unfinished student accommodation, which has resulted in hundreds of undergraduates having to find last-minute temporary housing at the start of the new term.

Chris Skidmore is to meet representatives from private developers providing student accommodation as well as universities after it emerged that freshers have had to be rehoused – some up to 30 miles away – because their promised accommodation was not ready.

The minister said the situation was “deeply concerning”, particularly because of the potential impact on student welfare, and warned that accommodation providers who fall short on their commitments would be held accountable.

According to a BBC report, there are 22 private student blocks across the UK that have been delayed this term – almost a third of those being built. Some students have been rehoused in hotels away from the university campus, making it hard for those affected to settle into university life.

Among the universities affected are Portsmouth and Bristol, where a number of students were temporarily rehoused in Newport in Wales.

There have also been student housing problems in Lincoln, Swansea, Liverpool and Durham, where more than 100 freshers had to be temporarily housed in other accommodation because of building works. A university spokesman said the vast majority of those affected were now in their rightful accommodation.

Much of the new student housing being built on campuses around the country is provided by private developers, which operate independently of the university and charge high fees from their student tenants.

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Responding to reports about student accommodation problems, the minister warned: “Higher education providers are independent, but this situation is deeply concerning and we cannot allow this inadequacy to continue. The quality of accommodation can affect student welfare, which is why providers who fail to complete projects on time and provide adequate alternative provision need to be held accountable.

“I shall be calling together representatives from the private student accommodation sector and universities to ensure any impacts on student welfare are being taken seriously by all concerned.”

The universities’ regulator, the Office for Students, does not possess powers to regulate private accommodation providers. In cases of unfinished accommodation, students are advised to complain first to their institution, then to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator if they are not satisfied.

Nicola Dandridge, the chief executive of the Office for Students, said: “As the academic year continues, it is important that all students are able to settle quickly into university. Students are right to expect appropriate accommodation, ready on time, so they can focus on their studies. Where there is disruption, universities should act to mitigate these problems.”