Guild hits out after Uni implies they were consulted over price rise in halls

The Guild have released a statement denying they support the controversial decision to increase accommodation prices.

Following the story on the rise in accommodation fees, the Guild are “surprised” that in a statement given to The Tab, the University implied the Guild supports the steep price increase.

The University claimed they worked with the Guild “to ensure any rises in the cost of accommodation are reasonable and competitive”.

But the Guild have said they are “disappointed” the rent levels weren’t properly discussed with them.

Earlier today, the Guild released an official response that said: “The University has suggested they have worked closely with us to ‘ensure any rises in the cost of accommodation are reasonable and competitive’.

“We do not believe this accurately reflects the way in which the Guild has been consulted.

“We are disappointed that the 2015-16 rent levels were presented to the Guild in a meeting, without advance notice.”

The Guild claim more competitive rent rates were available which they weren’t aware of.

They continued: “As we did not receive these figures before the meeting, we were unable to compare them with previous years, other institutions or the wider private rental sector in Liverpool.

“While the data from other institutions is patchy, it is clear elsewhere more competitive rents were offered, with our lowest and highest rents being more expensive than our competitors.”

They added: “Following this, we arranged a meeting with the University to raise our concerns, with certain price rises and a lack of student consultation appearing to go against the Memorandum of Understanding we have with the University.

“Given we are currently awaiting response over a number of our concerns, we find it surprising the University have issued a statement that implies the Guild’s approval.”

The tension comes amid the news halls prices are increasing by a staggering £234 a year.

The University are yet to respond to the Guild on the matter.