* Vice-chancellors rejected proposals to license student houses for multi-occupation on the grounds of the "unnecessary costs" to the sector and students.
The move comes as a response to a Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions consultation paper on houses in multiple occupation. A Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals spokesperson said: "Much of our accommodation is let to conferences and the tourist trade and is already regulated and fire certificated. We believe that we are good landlords with a good safety record." The National Union of Students welcomed the licensing plan.