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Our Community Too

Make the student vote count in the local government elections. Let’s remind councillors that it’s Our Community Too.​

Councils are responsible for so many decisions that affect our lives – and that’s why it’s so important for students to use their vote on Thursday 4 May.

Rent through the roof? Can't find childcare that fits in with your studies? Want to know why your local leisure centre is closing down? These are all council things! Councils are responsible for so many decisions that affect our lives – and that’s why it’s so important for students to use their vote in the council elections.

The Our Community Too campaign focuses on:

  • Council tax discount for apprentices: While students are exempt from council tax, apprentices still have to pay. This is unfair and we’ll campaign for apprentices to be made exempt too.
  • Housing: We want councillors to use the powers they have to make student housing better and crack down on dodgy landlords. This can be done using powers such as rent pressure zones and creating more HMO regulated properties.
  • Childcare: Our Bairn Necessities report on student parents published last year found that too many student parents are struggling with the cost and flexibility of childcare. As the roll out of increased childcare hours continues across Scotland, we want to see a requirement placed on councils to consult student parent groups and consider how best to fit their needs.

For ideas on how to get your Students' Associations and students involved in local hustings, debates and more read our briefing. If you want to email your council candidates directly and ask them to do a selfie of support, get in touch with us and we will send you their contact details. 

The Our Community Too house toured NUS Scotland conferences during March and April - to see if you're in any of the pictures check out our album here!