Representatives from Arts SU attended the recent APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group) for Students meeting, 'A Bed for Every Student: Finding a way through the student housing crisis'.

Our current LCC Officer, Sophia Nasif, was a panelist for the session, representing London students, postgraduates and students with caring duties specifically. 

There had been a previous APPG on students and the Renter's Reform Bill, where it had become apparent that there were wider issues around student housing that needed to be discussed, leading to this meeting. The issues discussed included the student housing shortage, competition for housing, spiralling rents and the effect on students, university vs private accomodation, guarantors, substandard housing, predatory landlords, hidden homelessness, accessiblity for disabled students and more. 

Sophia and Chloe Wilkinson-Silk (Arts SU Advice Manager) provided evidence and case studies about the London student experience at UAL, including data collected in our recent Private Renter's report. Our work around Guarantor Scheme's was also mentioned. You can read Sophia's full opening statement for the panel here.

The APPG was well attended by representatives from the NUS, Student Unions and Universities from across the UK, but unfortunately had a low turnout from Members of Parliament due to a scheduling clash with a discussion in the House of Commons. However, Arts SU will be submitting a report including all of our data and case studies to the APPG to be put forward to MPs and the Housing Minister to consider.