Elenya was commissioned by CUBO to deliver a focused piece of secondary research into the financial impact of Selective and Additional Licensing fees on university-managed accommodation. The core aim was to assess the potential cost savings for accommodation providers who are members of the UUK/GuildHE Accommodation Code of Practice (ACoP), which is administered by CUBO and remains a cornerstone of quality assurance in the higher education sector.
At Elenya, we specialise in delivering tailored research and analysis across the education, natural heritage, and charity sectors. We’re known for our responsive, collaborative approach and for offering flexible support – from strategic consultancy to one-off research commissions. This project provided an excellent example of how high-impact insight can be delivered efficiently through rigorous secondary analysis.
Context and Purpose
The Accommodation Code of Practice (ACoP) is one of three sector-approved codes that govern the quality of student accommodation in the UK. Approved by Parliament in 2006, it provides a framework for ensuring that university-managed accommodation meets clearly defined standards. More than 140 universities across the UK are currently signed up to the Code.
Selective and Additional Licensing schemes, introduced by local authorities under the Housing Act 2004, have increasingly affected private landlords and, in some cases, university accommodation providers. These schemes can involve substantial costs, and CUBO wanted to better understand how much universities were potentially saving by being covered under the ACoP and therefore exempt from these fees.
Our Approach
Elenya undertook a detailed review of available public data, including:
- Licensing schemes in place across relevant local authorities
- The specific charges applied under Selective and Additional Licensing regimes
- The number and type of university-managed accommodation units potentially affected
- The membership status of universities within the ACoP
Our analysis involved a cross-referencing exercise at both the local authority level and the institutional level, building a detailed picture of where licensing schemes were in operation, and how they intersected with ACoP membership.
We provided CUBO with a final report and line by line spreadsheet including every registered university accommodation building no their books. These outlined:
- Estimated cost savings for ACoP members across the country
- Regional and local variation in licensing practices
The work was delivered to a tight timescale, with regular touchpoints built in to ensure the scope and detail remained aligned with CUBO’s needs.
Impact and Use
The final analysis provided CUBO with a powerful, evidence-led narrative about the financial value of ACoP membership. The findings supported internal discussions around the future positioning and promotion of the Code and helped to quantify a benefit that many members may not have previously been aware of.
This is a good example of how focused secondary research, when combined with sector-specific understanding, can produce clear and actionable outputs. It also highlights Elenya’s ability to provide short-term, high-value consultancy on technical or policy-related issues.
Client Feedback
We were delighted to receive the following feedback from CUBO:
“Fantastic engagement – Elliot understood our needs right from the offset, his collaborative approach ensured we maximised the benefits we could get from the project and wasn’t afraid to give us really sound advice on our direction of travel. I would work with Elliot again like a shot – the results he delivered were second to none – thank you!” Trudy Williams, National Code & Project Manager, CUBO