Private Rented Sector 2021-01-11
2021-01-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Private renters face issues such as no-fault evictions, leading to insecurity and potential homelessness. The government has previously taken steps like extending eviction bans during the pandemic.
I am concerned about the security of tenure for tenants in the private rented sector, with hundreds of thousands at risk of eviction once pandemic protections are lifted. Local organisations have called for an end to no-fault evictions under section 21. When will you deliver your manifesto commitment to abolish such evictions?
We are committed to abolishing no-fault evictions and have already extended eviction bans during the pandemic, including a six-week extension last week. We also introduced a six-month notice period to give tenants time before court proceedings start.
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Assessment & feedback
The exact timeline for abolition of section 21 evictions was not provided.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Eviction bans during the pandemic have provided temporary relief, but many fear for their housing security once protections end. Local organisations campaign against section 21 evictions.
Hundreds of thousands of people are at risk of being evicted when current eviction prohibitions are lifted after the pandemic. The hon. Member mentioned local organisations in my constituency campaigning to end section 21 evictions. When will you deliver your manifesto commitment to do so?
We have taken significant steps during the pandemic, including extending eviction bans and introducing six-month notice periods. We are committed to abolishing no-fault evictions but did not specify a timeline.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timing for abolition of section 21 evictions was omitted.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The government's support measures have left many without adequate assistance, leading to rent arrears and potential evictions. A loophole exists where tenants with over six months in arrears face eviction risks.
Millions of people are excluded from covid support schemes. Government statistics show hundreds of thousands falling behind on rent. There's a loophole where those with over six months' arrears risk eviction despite the ban. Did you mean to protect everyone when you said no one should lose their home due to coronavirus?
We have taken unprecedented steps to support renters and prevent homelessness. Our measures include banning evictions, providing a six-month notice period, extending mortgage holidays, offering £700 million to support rough sleepers, and giving £6.4 billion to local authorities for pandemic impacts.
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Assessment & feedback
The loophole in eviction rules allowing those with over six months' arrears to face eviction was not addressed directly.
We Have Taken Unprecedented Steps
We Are Committed
Response accuracy