Shabana has written to universities and student accommodation providers in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The letter follows correspondence from a number of students at Birmingham City University, Aston University, and University College Birmingham regarding outstanding accommodation fees.

Students are concerned that after vacating their halls of residence to return home, they will still be expected to pay outstanding charges for the Easter term. A small number of students in private rented accommodation have also written of their concerns.

Shabana has appealed to universities to intervene on behalf of their students, and called upon student accommodation providers to remove charges for those who fully vacate their halls of residence.

A number of student accommodation providers have since announced their intention to reduce or eliminate fees for students not returning for the Easter term.

Shabana continues to monitor the situation on behalf of students living in Birmingham, Ladywood.