Charity boss calls for rent controls on PBSA in Scotland

The founder of the Edinburgh-based charity Social Bite is calling for more support for students at risk of homelessness - and rent controls for PBSA. 

Josh Littlejohn MBE was speaking after a report highlighted a 'severe' student housing crisis in cities including Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh. 

Mr Littlejohn says that international students, those from low-income backgrounds or students who are estranged from their families where financial support is not always possible, are most vulnerable. 

Rent controls will not cover PBSA 

Last month, the Scottish government proposed bringing in permanent rent controls but previously, similar measures did not extend to the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector. 

Mr Littlejohn told the Glasgow Times: "Rent controls should include purpose-built student accommodation, and more financial support for students who are at higher risk of homelessness, such as an estranged student grant that can be paid year-round and not just within term time." 

He went on to say that more - and cheaper - guarantor services are needed for the UK's students. 

Mr Littlejohn also wants international students to have more rights to work while studying in the UK and help meet their cost-of-living issues. 

Severe student housing crisis  

The report from the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence for the government's Cross-Party Group on Housing, warns of a growing student housing crisis in Scotland's cities. 

It reveals significant shortfalls in student accommodation, with a deficit of 13,852 bed spaces in Edinburgh, 6,093 in Glasgow and 6,084 in Dundee. 

The report urges the Scottish government to take immediate action with a collaborative approach to deliver more student housing. 

Students are left out of the conversation 

Graham Simpson, convenor of the Cross-Party Group on Housing, said: "The Scottish government declared a housing emergency earlier this year, but students are often left out of the conversation. 

"We have come up with a set of recommendations for the government that are clear and challenging.  

"These include the need for a collaborative approach to student housing, more robust data on student accommodation, and the integration of student housing into local housing strategies." 

Help students find affordable accommodation 

The report highlights the importance of city-wide one-stop shops to help students find affordable and suitable accommodation - something which could alleviate some student housing pressure. 

Lawrence Williams, from the housing charity Slurp Edinburgh, said: "From hidden homelessness to unaffordable rents, students in Scotland face a range of housing issues that have long been overlooked by policymakers and universities.  

"This report is a promising first step towards recognising the crisis and identifying structural barriers to student housing security.  

"We urgently need bold measures like rent controls, cooperative student housing, and guaranteed emergency accommodation for homeless students." 

Encourage students to seek support  

Now Social Bite, a charity and social business providing homes and jobs, is undertaking a milestone move into education which will see new cafes opening in colleges and universities across the UK. 

Around 10% of profits from the coffee sold will help the charity's work.  

Mr Littlejohn said: "Seeing Social Bite in their university or college might even encourage students to seek support for their own housing or encourage those around them to.  

"By being aware of homelessness, students can begin to combat stigma in their own community and also hold the government to account on these issues." 

Student landlords in Scotland  

The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "Most student landlords in Scotland will say there's no need for rent controls. 

"But if there are controls then PBSA must come under the same regulations." 

He added: "Previous rent controls in Scotland have harmed the PRS and the government is looking to bring them back - despite no evidence that such controls have ever worked. 

"There's a strong need for more student beds in Scotland and PBSA must face the same standards that PRS student landlords have to face."