Written question asked by Harold Best (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on the problems associated with the (a) geographical concentration and (b) accommodation of higher education students.

Answer: Mr. Best: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on the problems associated with the (a) geographical concentration and (b) accommodation of higher education students. [196859] Keith Hill: Earlier this year I discussed these issues at a meeting with my right. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Alan Johnson) at which universities UK (UUK) and the local government association (LGA) were present. As a result the Department for Education and Skills agreed to help fund a joint project between UUK and the LGA to establish some good practice in the provision of student accommodation in the community. The study will look at existing schemes with the aim of identifying best practice in managing student accommodation. A specification for the project has now been agreed and UUK are currently in the process of seeking suitable parties to undertake the research. The aim is to have completed the research and to have produced a good practice guide by Spring 2005.

Secondary information