By Emilie Robinson, Digital News Editor
Students have been informed today by email that their bursary payments will now not be used to offset outstanding debts.
The University's backtrack this evening follows Bristol, Cut the Rent’s expression of dismay yesterday over the decision to use student bursaries to cover rent money owed to the university.
A full instalment of money will be transferred into student nominated bank accounts on 2 December.
In response to the change, Bristol, Cut the Rent stated in a Tweet that ‘This is a welcome U turn but that this was uni policy in the first place is shameful.
‘The uni must now meet our demands and grant a rent reduction.’
We've got the uni to backtrack on bursaries!!! They've confirmed to students that bursaries will not be used to offset debts. This is a welcome U turn but that this was uni policy in the first place is shameful. The uni must now meet our demands and grant a rent reduction pic.twitter.com/1VwBW9oFfK
— Rent Strike Bristol (@RentStrikeBris) November 20, 2020
Speaking about the new outcome, a University of Bristol spokesperson said: ‘In light of the current circumstances and following discussion with Bristol Students’ Union, we have decided we will not offset any bursary payments made in December against student debt.
‘We apologise for the uncertainty this has caused and can confirm instalments will be paid in full to all bursary recipient on 2 December.’
Featured: Lucy O'Neill
What do you think about this change in the University's decision making?
