Decision details

We call upon the National Assembly for Wales to urge the Welsh Government to investigate the problems raised in the recent Aberystwyth Housing Survey Report 2012 which has raised concerns about the poor standard of student accommodation and the correspondingly poor treatment of students in the private rented sector. Furthermore, we call on the Welsh Government to engage in a full and frank consultation with the affected communities on this neglected issue while ensuring that current housing legislation and new measures by the relevant authorities are properly observed to help raise standards in the private rental sector.

Student housing has been a constant issue in Aberystwyth for many years. A report published in December 2012 surveyed students on their housing experiences and details the issues that they have been facing.

Petition raised by:  Aberystwyth Student’s Union

Date petition first considered by Committee: 15 May 2013

Number of signatures: 188

The Committee considered correspondence on the petition and agreed to;

·         write to the following stakeholders seeking their views on the issue:

o   Accreditation Network UK

o   Association of Letting and Management Agents

o   Association of Residential Letting Agents

o   Ceredigion Council

o   Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

o   Chartered Institute of Housing

o   Citizen’s Advice Bureau

o   Community Housing Cymru

o   Higher Education Wales

o   Landlord Accreditation Scheme

o   National Landlords Association

o   National Union of Students

o   Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

o   Shelter Cymru

o   WLGA / Association of Directors of Education; and

o   A full written consultation open to the public, with a focus on engaging with students

·         write to the Minister for Housing and Regeneration highlighting the concerns of the petitioners, especially in relation to the time given for the consultation on the Housing Bill; and

·         arrange an oral evidence session once responses are received.