Students back action over rents

Students at King's College concerned over rent increases

Students at a Cambridge University college have voted to take action over rent increases.

More than two thirds of the undergraduates at King's College who took part in ballot, held on Wednesday, agreed to protest over the increased room fees, says the students' union.

Students say rent has gone up by more than 29% in the last four years.

An emergency meeting is to be held by King's Student Union on Thursday evening to decide the method of protest.

This could take the form of rent strikes, demonstrations or a sit-in at the college.

'Clear mandate'

Sarah Donachy, president of King's College Student Union (KCSU) said: "The result gives a clear mandate to KCSU to go back and negotiate with Kings."

Four years ago students at King's led other colleges in a rent strike after The University Bursars' Committee proposed to increase rents by 8% a year over a period of six years until they reached the market level.

They claimed the rising costs would deter students from coming to Cambridge University.

But Roger Salom, the bursar at King's College, said: "The rents here are significantly below those at comparative universities for like accommodation."

Ben Brinded, president of Cambridge University Student Union, said: "The outcome of the vote highlights the level of student concern and this is something King's College will have to address."