Rents Ripoff
Following unprecedented rent rises at the beginning of Trinity term, two further colleges in the University - LMH and Exeter - have introduced significant increases in living costs.
Students at LMH were described by JCR President, Jin-Yu Cheong, to be in 'uproar' over the proposals. The college plans an introduction of either a £4 daily hall fee for students or a £1.50 compulsory opt-out fee. The charges have been introduced to cover what the JCR has announced as a staggering £240,000 mix-up in catering finances.
At Exeter, students have been warned that battels could rise by "as much as £120 a term." This follows a 'readjustment' in accommodation prices due to a potential £40,000 shortfall in income, caused by a drop in the number of conferences held by the college. However, JCR President Laurence Price called for "a policy of no opposition" to projected rent rises, after the Treasurer, Kieran Curtis, predicted that attempts to negotiate would, in all likelihood, have a "success rate of 0.1%."
Students at LMH demonstrated their anger in a sit-down protest, held in the front quad yesterday lunchtime. The protest was deliberately organised in secret to take place on Lady Margaret's day, aiming to try to disrupt the governing body meeting which was scheduled for the same time. Emphasising the significance of the protest, one student described LMH as a "normally politically apathetic college."
In contrast to the response of LMH students, Laurence Price described Exeter's SCR as having been "forced into a corner" by "financial difficulties." He believes the rent rises to be "sensible" and "reasonable," with a background of expanded hardship grants being set up in line with the changes. However, students are seeking a firm guarantee from the SCR that new rent levels - if accepted - will remain unchanged for at least two years.
Some students, however, were concerned by what they perceived as a prevalence of conciliatory defeatism at the meeting. One stated that the meeting was "a presentation of the SCR's decision rather than a forum in which to challenge it. Our views were never going to be taken into account."
However, it is unclear whether or not Exeter's stance is less political pessimism than financial realism, as the increases at Exeter and LMH form part of a wider pattern across the university. The rises are following on from an increase at New College last year, and at St. Hugh's and Wadham this term.
Cheong admitted that there was a 'financial argument' for introducing higher charges, and though 'robbing students' was not the solution, 'compromise' would have to be reached.
This week, the JCR President of Christ Church, David White, refuted notions aired in the Cherwell that the JCR had been forced to "fight off, or even veto" battel increase proposals. St. Hugh's JCR remain in negotiations over a projected potential 16% rent rise. A report was due to be presented to the SCR this week.
30th May 2002