Students Offered Rent Reductions

The University of Manchester has offered students a two-week rent reduction.

Students have been occupying Owens Park Tower in a row over rent and a claimed lack of support during the coronavirus pandemic. Originally, they had requested a 40% reduction in rent, with the Rent Strike campaign insisting the offer from the university was insulting.

Protesters have argued the university has put profits before students after face-to-face classes were put on hold, whilst earlier this month the university saw a backlash from students after fencing was erected around the campus.

In addition to agreeing to reduce rents by two weeks for all students in its accommodation, the university said students will be able to break their accommodation agreements and leave halls during term time without facing a financial penalty.

The general secretary of University and College Union (UCU) said the offer from the university will feel like a "slap in the face". There are concerns that the negative press could put students off from studying in Manchester, however the institution has said it worked closely with students via accommodation representatives and the students' union.