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 this right and reverse this decision now, before it’s too late.
“For the future of students at Stirling and the reputation of the University, I hope they make the right choice.”
In response, a Stirling University spokesperson said: “Through the University’s Rent Review Group, on which there is both University and Students’ Union representation, we are committed to working to ensure that students can access a wide range of quality, affordable accommodation. “To support our students’ budgeting, all university-managed accommodation includes energy bills, high-quality internet access and contents insurance within the rental fee.
“The rent levels for the 2023/24 academic year include a rent freeze on 15 per cent of our university-managed accommodation and a variable below inflation increase across the remainder of properties.
“These increases reflect inflationary pressures and rising operating costs – including utilities, staffing and maintenance costs.
