Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has has made of the adequacy of student accommodation provision.

Education is a devolved matter, and this response outlines the information for England only.

Student accommodation is a busy part of the housing market. As universities and landlords are private, autonomous bodies, the government has no role in the provision of student accommodation, nor a remit to intervene in how it is allocated.

The department recognises the concerns that many students have about the availability and cost of their accommodation. We expect universities and private landlords to review their accommodation policies to ensure they are affordable, fair, clear and promote the interests of students.

All student landlords must be registered with a local authority or belong to one of the three government-sponsored Accommodation Codes of Practice. Since 2006, these have protected the interests of students to ensure standards are maintained and disputes are resolved promptly.