Eviction ban is extended after homeless alert
But tenants ‘need more protection’
A BAN on evicting housing tenants during the pandemic has been extended by four weeks.
Renters had faced being kicked out from Monday, when the five-month block was due to be lifted. But the Government finally bowed to pressure and issued a four-week reprieve, with evictions due to resume on September 20.
Britain’s top civil law judge, Master of the Rolls Sir Terence Etherton, confirmed the move.
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “This 11th hour U-turn was necessary but such a brief extension means there is a real risk that this will simply give renters a few more weeks to pack their bags. Boris Johnson has been warned for months about the looming evictions crisis but stuck his head in the sand.
“People living in rented accommodation should not be paying the price for this Government’s incompetence.”
Housing and homelessness charities welcomed the move but echoed calls for a longer-term solution.
Crisis chief Jon Sparkes said: “The Government must use this time to address the issue properly.
“With job cuts coming thick and fast, we know tens of thousands must be wondering if they’ll keep a roof over their head. We need more than delaying tactics.”
Shelter chief executive Polly Neate added: “The Government must use this short window wisely to put proper safeguards in place for renters.
“People are still falling behind on their rent – 230,000 private tenants since March – leaving them vulnerable when the ban does end. Judges must be given extra powers to stop evictions for ‘Covid-arrears’.
Alex McMahon, of firm Osbornes Law, blasted the “extraordinary lastminute extension” saying it “shows the shambolic way the Government has dealt with this issue”.
He added: “The law needs to be changed to prevent thousands of people being kicked out of their homes this winter.”
Use this time to put proper safeguards in place for renters
POLLY NEATE
BOSS OF SHELTER