Battle of the battels
A 9% hike in battels triggered dismay across Corpus Christi College this week. One second year English student described himself as "not too happy", but resigned to the extra costs. "Rises at New College, Jesus and Oriel have set a trend," he added.
JCR President Emmanuel Botwe said, "lots of people are very upset, as the costs will hit some students very hard". He estimated that the extra annual charges would total £200.
According to Botwe, the Fellows reached a unanimous decision last week, in the light of desired increases in the salaries and a fall in endowment income. Future rent rises haven't been ruled out.
A rent strike still remains a possibility, as the JCR has not convened since hearing the news. Botwe said he hoped the SCR would consider staggering the increase. Corpus Domestic Bursar Colin Holmes confirmed the increase, but had no comment on the reasons for the decisions.
8th Jun 2001