Social tenants ‘will not face being evicted’
HOUSING Minister Julie James has written to every social housing tenant in Wales to reassure them they will not lose their home if they can’t pay their rent because of the coronavirus.
In her letter, Ms James said: “The Welsh Government is taking action to make sure help and support is available when you need it, right across Wales. Local authorities and registered social landlords have agreed everyone should be treated fairly.”
Ms James’ letter says they will:
■ Keep you safe and secure in your home;
■ Help you get the financial support you need;
■ Support you and find solutions if you have difficulty paying your rent;
Do everything they can to support your wellbeing.
“If you have received notice from your landlord that your rent is increasing from April, we don’t want this to add to your worries. All social landlords have agreed not to take eviction action against any tenants experiencing financial hardship as a result of coronavirus. I have asked them to go further and ensure every tenant can get support when they need it and that no tenants are left with unmanageable debts when the coronavirus crisis is over.
“Everyone’s circumstances will be different. It is important you can access advice and support, which is right for you. Please make sure if you are or think you might, suffer from financial hardship, that you talk to your landlord as soon as possible. They will be able to help and advise you.”
Stuart Ropke, chief executive at Community Housing Cymru, said: “The number one priority for housing associations at this time is to ensure tenants are safe and secure, and support them through any financial hardship they experience. “Housing associations across Wales have shown time and again that they are resilient and adaptable organisations. We are all too aware that it will be social housing tenants who are most likely to feel the brunt of the economic impact of Covid-19, and I am proud to see housing associations come together with local government to make a clear commitment to support tenants throughout this period.”
Councillor Andrea Lewis of Swansea council, the Welsh Local Government Association’s housing spokesperson, said: “We know that many people will be worried at this extremely difficult time, which is why we’re pleased to be able to offer much-needed reassurance to social housing tenants.
“This agreed approach will ensure that councils and housing associations will provide support which is targeted at individuals and their distinct set of circumstances at this time of such great upheaval.”