Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are a huge part of student life. Shared housing is something most university students will experience, living with friends, and yes, arguing over whose dishes haven’t been washed.

However, there may be changes on the horizon in Gloucester.

Gloucester City Council is proposing changes that could reduce HMO’s and where they can be located, with a potentially huge impact on UoG Students both current and future.

It would mean:

• Fewer affordable student houses
• More competition for housing, particularly in Cheltenham
• Rent prices increasing
• Students pushed between Cheltenham & Gloucester

Your Students’ Union has been attending meetings, reading proposals and taking direct action at the planning consultation that took place last Wednesday 15th April at Gloucester City Council.

Bianca Holland, your Education & Community Officer explained the campaign action:

“At Varsity Gloucester Arena Day, the other officers and I set up a “playhouse” display and spoke to students about the proposed changes alongside our Student Voice Community Organiser Callum. This playhouse was then submitted as part of the consultation that evening at the Civic Centre.

And it definitely made an impact.

The voices of so many students, all captured in one place, was something that simply can’t be ignored. I’m really proud of what we managed to pull together in such a short amount of time.

Moments like this, being out of the office, actively campaigning and advocating for students in our local communities, are what make this role so meaningful”

What can students do?

The consultations on both proposed changes are open until 11th May.

Decisions will be made and made public shortly afterwards, so you still have more chances to amplify the student voice.

All of the information on the proposed changes, as well as online surveys to give your opinions can be found on the consultancy page here or send a written response on how it would affect you (and fellow students!) to Gloucesterhmo@arkconsultancy.co.uk

If you want to comment on the campaign, or would like to get involved email sustudentvoice@glos.ac.uk