Rented Homes: End of Evictions Ban

The Government is transitioning towards normal life while ensuring support for those affected by the pandemic. They are providing financial assistance, engaging with a working group convened by the Master of the Rolls to modify court rules and encouraging landlords to agree to rent repayment plans or flexibilities.

The Labour party argues that the government's proposals are insufficient, with eviction law remaining unchanged. The shadow Secretary of State calls for an extension of the ban and legal changes to prevent evictions and homelessness during winter.

The MP asks about steps being taken by the government to ensure strict procedures are followed when landlords seek possession, as well as efforts to increase tenant security.

The Chairman of the Select Committee questions whether courts have discretion in cases where a landlord wants to proceed with evictions despite providing all necessary information about tenant circumstances.

Asks for assurance that efforts will be made to encourage effective communication between landlords and tenants experiencing financial difficulties, aiming to find flexible solutions.

Highlights the dire situation in Brent with high levels of evictions and poverty even before the pandemic. The MP calls for increased housing benefit and fair rent controls to address structural inequality and poverty issues.

Emphasised the importance of getting the economy back on track and people into work to help constituents out of economic crisis. Provided details about £500 million in council tax relief, £63 million for food vulnerable, 8.6 million people protected through other changes, and an additional £40 million added to discretionary housing payments.

Discussed issues with military families returning from abroad unable to regain access to their homes due to the moratorium on evictions. Highlighted blighted neighbourhoods caused by persistent antisocial behaviour because of the eviction ban.

Agreed with Simmonds that those who abuse their position should be dealt with robustly. Mentioned Baroness Newlove's statement regarding antisocial behaviour and promised to stick to the Government's position.

Shared concerns about constituents in her constituency, including 1,500 signing up for universal credit and 12,000 on furlough with potential job losses. Raised specific issues about rent increases over universal credit payments.

Responded to Oppong-Asare by mentioning a nine-month grace period from the cap for universal credit claimants, availability of discretionary housing payments, and reiterated support through work creation efforts.

Welcomed measures protecting renters during the pandemic but raised concerns about rent increases in office-block conversions leading to tenants being £13 a month over the benefit cap after universal credit, urging for steps to prevent this.

Responded by mentioning grace periods on welfare benefits capping and availability of discretionary housing payments. Emphasised that work is the best tool to support constituents facing job losses or income loss.

Asked about steps needed for law changes, such as disapplying ground 8 of section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, to prevent forced evictions due to rent arrears during coronavirus.

Noted that 90% of renters have been able to meet their liabilities and most have good responses from landlords in negotiating flexible repayments or payment holidays. Stated the landlord community understands economic challenges and is working proactively.

Questioned whether the Government can guarantee that no one will lose their home as a result of losing income due to coronavirus, as previously stated by the Secretary of State in March.

Reiterated protections from eviction taken and mentioned moving towards normalising economy but acknowledged inability to guarantee every tenancy will be retained. Promised continued support through measures outlined.

Asked for emergency legislation now or in the autumn to prevent unnecessary evictions, given up to half a million people could face eviction issues by the end of moratorium on evictions.

Responded that the renters’ reform Bill will be brought forward when appropriate and assured ongoing support through measures outlined previously.

Noted a significant increase in universal credit claims due to crisis, with local housing allowance barely covering rent. Urged adherence to the Government's promise to protect renters.

Acknowledged availability of discretionary housing payments and provided information on council tax relief for residents where appropriate. Mentioned Chancellor’s recent financial statements and future announcements expected to support economy exit and constituents' return to work.

Discussed the biggest cause of homelessness being private sector tenancy breakdowns, including 120,000 children yearly living in temporary accommodation before covid. Urged for a public infrastructure project to build social homes.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a raft of infrastructure measures to stimulate the economy and a £9 billion investment in affordable homes, aiming for the biggest injection into affordable housing in 15 years. Local authorities are also given more power to build social homes.

Expressed concern about the end of eviction moratoriums and requested long-term plans for affordable, sustainable housing for vulnerable constituents from the Minister.

Committed to backing Selaine Saxby's local initiatives with long-term investment in affordable homes. Announced an £9 billion investment over 2021-2026, following the delivery of 241,000 homes under the existing programme.

Warned that lifting the eviction ban from August 24th would put over 200,000 people at risk of eviction. Suggested either making a small change to introduce discretion or extending the ban until legal changes in September.

Disagreed with Barbara Keeley's concerns, citing evidence that 90% of tenants have managed rental liabilities and landlords are providing flexible repayment options. Stressed the importance of not spreading fear.

Asked about future plans to help young professionals and working families get on the housing ladder, suggesting that owning a home is a key policy goal for their party.

Promised an upcoming announcement of the First Homes policy, offering discounts of at least 30% on new homes to first-time buyers. Also mentioned efforts to ensure affordable mortgages for broad masses.

Asked if landlords have a duty to inquire about tenants' financial difficulties due to covid, and expressed concern that courts might not have discretion in cases of rent arrears.

Confirmed that landlords will have a new duty to assess the impact of covid-19 on their tenants' financial status and vulnerability, with courts having rights to adjourn cases if information is inappropriate.

Commended government support for renters during the pandemic but asked about future plans to ensure a vibrant rental market, including protecting tenants from unreasonable landlords.

Stressed the importance of a vibrant rental market and promised the Renters' Reform Bill would balance rights and responsibilities between landlords and tenants. Also noted that ensuring renters pay their rent is crucial for keeping landlords in business.