exeposé
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The UK’s Best Student Publication 2023
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ISSUE 758 31 MAY 2024 exepose.com @Exepose
THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987
Exeter students raise fears over drinking water Pride returns to Exeter for the first time in two years Page 3
Image: Harry Craig
Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor
An interview with Hijacked DJ Peter Jolyon Page 20
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XETER students have raised concerns about the safety of their drinking water after dozens of reported cases of illnesses derived from parasites in South Devon’s drinking water. In recent weeks, drinking water in parts of South Devon — including Brixham, Hillhead and Kingswear — has been found to be contaminated with the parasite cryptosporidium. The parasite has been known to cause diarr-
hoea, vomiting and nausea among other symptoms and can last for more than two weeks. At the time of writing, 57 cases have been confirmed. Thousands of households in South Devon have been subjected to a boil notice in recent weeks — peaking at 17,000. For those affected, the government have offered £265 as compensation. Although there have been no reported cases of cryptosporidium in Exeter as of yet, students have reported their concerns that they may be affected by the parasite. In a survey conducted by Exeposé, all respondents
noted that they had been made aware of the affected drinking water and half had made efforts to protect themselves from potentially being affected. Some students said that they were voluntarily boiling their drinking water, despite Exeter not being subject to a boil notice, using water filters and avoiding tap water altogether by opting for bottled water instead. One student said that they were taking these measures “out of anxiety, scared [they will] get sick and miss work” and thus resulting in a “lower paycheck.” Another student noted that it could be difficult to effectively
carry out these preventative measures in a shared kitchen as their “whole house [doesn’t want] to boil water.” Commenting to Exeposé, a spokesperson from South West Water has said, “we continuously monitor for cryptosporidium from our treatment works and at this time there is no evidence of crypto elsewhere in our network. We work closely with the UKHSA regarding outbreaks of waterborne disease in the community and there are no other areas under investigation at this time.” Continued on page 4
Students’ concerns surrounding the Renters Reform Bill skyrockets Anabel Costa-Ferreira, Livvy Mason-Myhill and Benedict Thompson Editors-in-Chief and Features Editor
Ecstasy for Exeter: rugby season review Page 32
Images (top to bottom): Harry Craig, Peter Walker, EURFC
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HE Renters (Reform) Bill, aimed at banning no-fault evictions, is unlikely to pass before Parliament dissolve on the 31st May. This legislation, crucial for protecting renters, was delayed despite ongoing negotiations and support from both major parties. The delay means it will fall once Parliament dissolves, leaving students and other renters in limbo. The bill, first introduced in May last year, has seen considerable debate. Responding directly to a Conserva-
tive manifesto promise from 2019, it proposes to abolish Section 21 evictions, providing greater security for tenants. However, amendments and opposition from Conservative MPs, who feared it might lead landlords to sell properties, stalled its progress. Key provisions of the bill include allowing landlords to reclaim houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) let to fulltime students at the end of the academic year. This ensures these properties are available for new students in the next term, a critical factor for student housing stability. Additionally, the bill prohibits discrimination against families with children or individuals on benefits and includes penalties for non-compliance.
The bill aims to introduce a decent homes standard to the private rental sector, empowering local authorities to enforce it. Enhanced investigatory powers for local authorities and increased financial penalties for landlord breaches are also included. These measures are designed to ensure safe and fair housing conditions for all tenants, including students. Labour supported the bill, despite calling for stronger protections. A BBC article noted that Labour sources claim the party would have been willing to support the bill in its current state to ensure it was passed. Proposed amendments included capping rent increases, improving tenant
rights regarding pets, and enhancing protections against evictions. The opposition stressed the need for a balanced approach to protect tenants while providing assurances to landlords. A report commissioned by Labour suggests a “double lock” system to cap rent increases at the rate of inflation or local wage growth, whichever is lower. This system aims to ease the financial burden on renters amidst a cost-ofliving crisis. The report’s author, Stephen Cowan, recommends additional measures such as banning mid-contract rent review clauses and requiring longer notice periods for rent increases. Continued on page 6