Accommodation complaints
Hello,
I hope whoever is reading this is keeping well.
This is a request for information under the FOI Act 2000.
Please could you answer the questions for the academic year of 2020/21.
1) How many complaints/reports from undergraduates regarding issues with their university accommodation (for example, but not limited to: halls, university owned accommodation) did your residential services or student living team receive over the requested period?
Issues include but are not limited to: asbestos, mould, vermin/pests, broken heating systems, biocides, lead, carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products.
Please can you break down the response to Q1 into the date the issue was reported/complained about, the type of issue- as exampled above- that was reported/complained about and the date the issue was resolved (for example, if vermin was reported, what day did pest control contractors visit the accommodation to get rid of the pests).
2) How much money did your university pay in compensation which related to the accommodation complaints identified in Q1. How many of the accommodation complaints identified in Q1 were upheld?
3) If there is time under the act, please can you send me all the correspondence (likely, but not limited to, email from the student) - with all personal or potentially identifiable information redacted- sent to the residential services/accommodation manager complaining about the accommodation over the requested period. Can you limit this to complaints which resulted in compensation being paid out/awarded to the student.
Best,
Yohannes Lowe
Dear Yohannes
I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your Freedom of Information Request.
Your request is receiving our attention and you will hear from us again within 20 working days at the latest.
Yours sincerely
Freya Austin
Freya Austin | Information Rights Assistant,
Information Rights, University Secretary’s Office
The Open University, Level 5, Charles Pinfold Building, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA
Email: [Open University request email]
Freedom of Information Publication Scheme
Dear Yohannes
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request.
I am afraid the Open University doesn’t hold the information because it is
a distance learning institution and we do not have any student
accommodation.
The Open University is the UK’s largest academic institution in the UK and
a world leader in flexible learning. Our teaching and learning methods
enable people to achieve their career and life goals studying at times and
in places to suit them. Our students do not attend a campus (apart from a
small number Research students who are based on our Milton Keynes site).
They live in their own homes throughout the UK and in many other countries
throughout the world. There is no typical OU student. People of all ages
and backgrounds study with us and one of the real bonuses is the
flexibility offered to students to pause and restart their studies when
life circumstances dictate the need.
If you have any concerns about the way the University has observed the
provisions of the Freedom of Information Act you may apply for your
request to be reviewed. Freedom of Information Reviews are considered by
the University Secretary or his delegate. Your request must be submitted
within 40 working days of receipt of this letter/email. Reviews should be
addressed to the above inbox, entitled “FOIA Review”, and should set out
the reasons for the review. You will have a further right of appeal to
the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Regards
Mel
Miss Mel Augusto | Information Rights Co-ordinator
Information Rights, University Secretary’s Office
The Open University, Level 5, Charles Pinfold Building, Walton Hall,
Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA
Tel: +44 (0)1908 653994
Email: [1][email address]
[2]Freedom of Information Publication Scheme
[3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG] [6][IMG]
We work to defend the right to FOI for everyone
Help us protect your right to hold public authorities to account. Donate and support our work.
Donate Now