Ruth Edwards, MP for Rushcliffe, has said she will take individual cases of students being financially penalised by paying for accommodation to the Government.
Thousands of students have returned to their permanent homes having been advised by the Government due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the University of Nottingham (UoN) both took the decision to waive third-term fees for students no longer staying in the city.
But a number of students living with private landlords are being made to pay rent for accommodation they are no longer living in.
When asked by Platform what Ms Edwards would do regarding students who are unable to pay these fees, and to assist landlords at this time, she said: “This is a difficult situation which I have taken up for a number of students with [the] Government.
Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edward appreciated Nottingham universities for waiving their fees. (Photo credit: Houses of Parliament)
“Student loans companies are making term three payments which should help make the payment in the immediate term, but I am aware that people don’t want to be paying for accommodation they can’t use.”
She added: “I thank the two universities for waiving their fees. Students with private landlords I would advise you to discuss the possibility of an early release from the lease with them.
“As tenants, students are obviously entitled to support that is available for COVID-19. That looks at repayable rent reductions or postponements and assurances that eviction proceedings can’t go against them for three months.
“Those are available for you immediately and I am perfectly happy to take up individual cases with the Government in terms of wider support or reimbursement in the long term.
“I understand students are at home for the sole reason they have been instructed to be there.”
Nottingham Trent students suffering financially are able to contact the university’s student services team who are able to assist.
For more information about the support they can provide, click here.
By Matthew Lee
Featured photo credit: Pixabay