Following a number of issues affecting students staying in Penrose the College have announced they will be compensating students. Read Jack's blog on how the Students' Union helped lobby for a fair compensation package.
I’m really happy to be able to announce that the College and Students’ Union have collaboratively secured compensation for those students in Penrose who recently experienced problems with their heating and water pressure.
After an ongoing series of problems across the year, many Penrose students took up an offer from College customer services around opening dialouge around compensation. Supported by members of the College and with input from the Students’ Union, it has been agreed that the students affected, of whom there are almost 200, should receive £250 of compensation paid directly to their College card. The College will contact affected students by email this week to let them know the details of their compensation.
We feel that it’s important that reimbursement is carried out in this way, as it means the money goes directly into the students’ pocket, rather than back to parents or sponsors who may have paid accommodation fees on behalf of some tenants. The £250 covers approximately two weeks rent for a student living in Penrose.
The Students’ Union would like to say a massive thank you to the College, and especially the premises team, for ensuring that these students have received appropriate compensation for the issues that they’ve faced, and we hope that these students feel that this is sufficient to cover the issues that have affected them while in their accommodation.
We’re always here if any students affected feel they need further support, and you can always send an email to our Advice and Support Centre if you’re experiencing any further issues regarding this.
Jack Kilker
Co-President, Welfare and Diversity
*This article was updated on 9 February to include the fact the College would be contacting affected students.