The student accommodation company, Urban Student Life (USL), has been suspended for a year from the Code for Non-Educational Establishments by the Codes Full Tribunal. Such a suspension is very rare, and this is only the third time the tribunal has met.

The suspension follows complaints over the company’s development, Asquith House, in Leeds, which was held up by 11 weeks, forcing new students to stay in hotels. This was followed by further delays in providing rent refunds and fire safety information.

Shelly Asquith, NUS vice president for welfare, said “I was appalled by the conditions students ‘living’ in these halls, and paying an extortionate price for it have endured: a three month delay, hotel stays which left some students having to share beds, and basic provisions denied.

“The company claimed to serve students’ interests but have categorically failed, instead putting their well-being and educational attainment at risk. I hope this decision sends a message to the wider private market, as well as to universities who enter into contracts with providers, that our members will not be exploited without serious consequences.”

Polly Hatcher

Image: Emerging Developments