November 2023
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This conference discussed priorities for the future of student accommodation in higher education.
It brought together policymakers, regulators and stakeholders to assess key current and emerging issues against the backdrop of the Renters (Reform) Bill, looking at:
- the supply of university-provided accommodation, including halls of residence
- the role of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in meeting sustained, increased demand for student accommodation
- the supply and choice of private multi-occupancy rented houses for returning students, and ways in which landlords can be incentivised to stay in the student housing market
We also expected discussion on the student experience with regard to both access and occupancy, as well as on affordability in light of concerns surrounding the cost of living.
Further sessions considered the sustainability of the current student housing model, with discussion on:
- supply: meeting the demands of increasing student numbers year on year - strategies that HEIs can engage to reduce the gap between supply and demand - the provision of PBSA
- legislation: the likely impact of the Renters (Reform) Bill on the supply of off-campus, multi-occupancy, privately rented homes - implications for the student housing market
- student finances: cost of living issues for students - impact on student access to accommodation away from home and decisions to progress into HE - value for money
- student experience: university-provided and privately rented accommodation - meeting the needs of different student groups, including international students and those with disabilities
- standards and best practice: improving system efficiency and collaboration between HEIs, local government and housing sector partners - developing the Student Accommodation Code of Practice
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Ben Jordan, Head of Policy, UCAS; Victoria Goddard, Partner and Head of Universities & HE, Pinsent Masons; Councillor Jay Hayes, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Nottingham City Council; Ben Beadle, Chief Executive, National Residential Landlords Association; and Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director, Unite Group.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from Department for the Economy, NI; DfE; DLUHC; The Scottish Government, and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.
