Call for an extension of eviction ban
A GROUP of councillors have called for a further extension to the ban on evictions and say access to quality housing is becoming an increasing problem in Macclesfield.
In response to the
Covid crisis and the financial hardship it can bring, the government said those renting houses and struggling to pay rent cannot be thrown out.
This rule has been extended until September 20 but the nine Labour councillors in Macclesfield say this alone merely puts off serious problems.
Among them is Nick Mannion, for Macclesfield West and Ivy, who says housing conditions are a major factor in life expectancy, which varies up to 10 years between areas of the town.
He says the number of properties available in Cheshire East at social or affordable rents has ‘collapsed’ - figures show the number of social rent completions has fallen from 327 in 209/10 to 49 in 2019/20.
This means many people are privately renting and therefore at risk as finances become an increasing struggle because of the pandemic.
A letter from the councillors has been sent to the government calling for action - and an extension to the ban.
It says: “Unless the current legislation is changed, tenants will face uncertainty and financial turmoil. If this does not happen then the government simply cannot keep its promise that no renter will lose their home as a result of coronavirus and without doubt we will see an increase in homelessness in our town.
“In Macclesfield access to quality housing is becoming an increasing problem, with many living in private rentals and struggling to make ends meet.
“If more private tenants face eviction then it is unlikely that the already overwhelmed social housing organisations and housing support will be able to cope with demand.
“We are also deeply concerned that those who have lost their jobs or now face redundancy and have built up rent arrears will be thrown into further financial turmoil and uncertainty.
“Even if tenants have arranged payment plans to pay back arrears, these debts could mean that struggling renters face an automatic eviction. The reality is that some people locally face the horrific choice of paying rent or buying food.”
Specifically, the letter calls for the abolition of the section 21 rule, which means landlords can serve notice for people to leave their accommodation.
It also asks for all rent arrears accrued due to loss of income form the pandemic to be cancelled.
The other councillors are James Barber, Liz Braithwaite, Ashley Farrall, Alift Harewood, Steve Carter, Brian Puddicombe, Laura Jeuda and Rob Vernon.
Coun Braithwaite, for Macclesfield Central, said:
“There now needs to be a plan for what will happen after 20/9/20, as winter approaches.
“Whilst evictions for serious anti-social behaviour should be allowed, long promised legislation banning ‘no fault evictions’ should be brought forward immediately.”