University Backs Idea to End Business Rate Relief

The University of Bath has supported the idea of ending business rate relief for private student accommodation providers.

However, the university suggested it would be unfair to simply pass the charges onto students by upping their rents. This is reportedly the main reason why government has held off making operators pay.

Commenting on the issue, Tim Warren, Bath and North East Somerset Council leader, said: "There has to be a reworking of the partnership over the whole country. A lot of university towns are struggling."

Meanwhile the University of Bath added: "We fully understand that the demand from students to study in Bath places pressures on housing."

"The university fully supports our local council in advocating the change in policy which would return government compensation to councils for the loss of rates associated with student housing."

"We believe asking students to pay more because central government has altered their rate support policy is unfair."

Elsewhere, Bath Spa University recognised the concerns about availability of housing locally, but said the institution has no plans to build any more of its own student accommodation in central Bath.