The Rugg Review and its Relevance to Students

Added on 07/01/2009

An exciting event is taking place in London on 28th January.

The Rugg Review (an independent review of the private rented sector in England commissioned by the Minister for Housing at the Department of Communities and Local Government) reported on 23rd October 2008. The report is being considered by the DCLG as the touchstone for future Government policy options and is considered by independent commentators to be of considerable importance and carrying significant influence. The Rugg Review could well be the policy blueprint that will establish future Government action within the private rented sector.

Unipol have organised a one day seminar, restricted to 30 delegates, taking place in Westminster, to concentrate specifically on what the report has to say about students and student housing. The day will be led by the author of the report, Dr Julie Rugg, who will presents her findings and respond to reactions about her conclusions.

This is a unique opportunity to take part in understanding how big picture policy options are formed and how they can affect your institution and your students, especially for officers and staff involved in community and housing issues.

The format of the roundtable gives an overview of the Report, followed by four themed discussions where Dr Rugg will talk about her conclusions in the report. This is followed by a reaction from an expert in the field and then a roundtable discussion will take place. At the end of the day there is an open session. A number of invited guests will also ensure ongoing comment and interaction throughout the day.

NUS have negotiated 5 places at a students' union rate of £85, so if you're interested, please book quickly! For more information please go to the Unipol website.

Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you there!

Launch for officers and staff of NUS Student Parent research

Added on 18/12/2008

NUS Women's and Welfare Campaigns is pleased to annouce the date for the students' union launch of NUS' research into the experiences of student parents. The event will be on 12th February 2009 (venue TBC, probably Birmingham), for both officers and staff in students' unions.

The research - the first in the UK to look in detail at the experience of student parents in both FE and HE - is made up of detailed interviews, focus groups and a survey of over 2000 student parents. The day will consist of a presentation of our main findings with the opportunity for delegates to ask questions about the research. There will also be a range of workshops aimed at both staff and officers in FE and HE unions to explore the issues more closely and share best practice.

If you are responsible for representing student parents at any level (e.g. student officers and campaigners), or work with or support them directly (e.g. advice centre managers, student advisers, support staff), then this day will be a fantastic opportunity to network with others across the sector supporting this cohort, and find out about the results and recommendations from this piece of research.

Please email Sarah Wayman back to register your interest in the event, to help us determine numbers. Registration details and an agenda will be circulated in the new year. Please also feel free to circulate this email around your networks.

Many thanks and look forward to see lots of you at this event!

No-one Written Off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility - NUS response

Added on 29/11/2008

Read NUS' response to the DWP consultation on reforming social security benefits.

What's Your Letting Agent Like?

Added on 14/11/2008

Have you ever rented your home through a letting agent? The Citizens Advice Bureau are currently doing some research on lettings agents and want to know what your experience was like. There is a questionnaire on their website (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) for tenants to complete.

The survey closes at the end of November.

Rugg Review supports our Tenancy Deposit Protection Early Day Motions

Added on 03/11/2008

This year, we tabled two Early Day Motions on Tenancy Deposit Protection. EDM 1557 was regarding the time taken for institutions to return deposits, and EDM 1558 was to address the £25,000 limit put on an assured shorthold tenancy (AST). This EDM was specifically mentioned in the Rugg Review, launched last week. You can read the full report here.

If you would like more information on these early day motions, then please read our briefing. You can also download our model letter here and send it to your MP.