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<p>The department is in frequent contact with representatives of the higher education
sector, having regular interactions at both official and ministerial level with key
parties, including Universities UK and the Office for Students. Officials have also
been in frequent contact with representatives of private providers of accommodation,
including Unipol, who operate the national codes of practice for private student accommodation
providers.</p><p>I have spoken with representatives of Unite and Unipol at the Higher
Education Taskforce, which the government convened in August. The Taskforce continues
to work with the sector on the challenges universities, colleges and their students
are facing due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p>On 10 September, the
government issued updated guidance for providers on reopening campuses and buildings
to help providers make informed decisions about their provision, which is available
at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses</a>.</p><p>This
guidance builds on the advice provided in June, and updated in July, which universities
have been using to plan for a safe return. Policies are kept under review as the situation
evolves, based on the latest advice from Public Health England and evidence of the
effectiveness of interventions and support for students and providers. The guidance
reflects the latest scientific advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies.</p><p>The
department has worked with universities to ensure that they all have outbreak plans.
These have been developed in conjunction with local public health teams and all have
been or are being agreed with local directors of public health. The plans should cover
a range of scenarios, including outbreaks in accommodation, both on and off campus.</p><p>The
government has published guidance for landlords and tenants who may be affected by
current events, available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities</a>.</p>
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