NUS RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF A REVIEW INTO HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

In response to the Government's announcement of a review into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), NUS Vice President (Welfare) Ama Uzowuru said:

"This new review pre-empts the conclusions of the ongoing review into the Private Rented Sector, which is also examining Houses in Multiple Occupation. NUS believes that HMOs and related issues should form a central part of that holistic review, rather than being looked at in isolation from wider issues.”

"It is important to remember that students are members of the community and do not exist in separation. It is short-sighted and dangerous to discriminate against any groups and label them ‘outsiders’. Students live, work and play in the community, like other residents do, and often contribute a great deal to their local areas. Some social tension comes from different lifestyles, but these tensions are by no means exclusive to students.”

"It is also important to remember that many young professionals and migrant workers live in HMOs, so we hope that this review does not focus solely on or single out students."

“NUS strongly opposes proposals to use legislation to encourage segregation within communities and therefore do not feel that thie review is necessary. All parts of the community need to work together to find solutions to their shared problems in a genuinely balanced and sustainable way.”