Jude Bailey, Manchester Socialist Students
The University of Manchester plans to demolish the most affordable and second-largest student accommodation in Fallowfield, and replace it with a prohibitively expensive facility. Universities are choosing to fill their coffers at the expense of students.
Manchester Socialist Students campaign against the plans has been gaining momentum. Many students have related even more to this than to Labour raising tuition fees.
Cost of living
Partly because it is a much greater increase. But, also, with the maintenance loan not being raised, this cost will now come directly from existing students immediately.
Over half of Manchester students juggle at least one job during their studies already. And many work two jobs.
When University of Manchester – one of the city’s largest landlords – sets a precedent by doubling rents, it sends a dangerous signal. If it can get away with it, private companies and other student housing providers will feel they can too.
Our public meeting will connect the opposition to the Fallowfield redevelopment to the broader struggle for better university funding and Socialist Students Funding Not Fees campaign. We have extended invitations to local MPs.
We are joining forces with other campus campaign groups, and trade unionists from UCU, PCS, and Unison. Prior to the meeting, an informal coffee meet-up, preceded by three hours of leafleting, has helped build momentum, drawing in three new students, who were eager to fight for tangible action.
