Renters Reform Bill 2020-07-20
2020-07-20
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns over the economic consequences of COVID-19 on tenants, especially regarding evictions by unscrupulous landlords.
Tonia Antoniazzi asked about when the Government plans to bring forward legislative proposals for the Renters Reform Bill and inquired whether it is time for the Government to look at measures similar to those implemented by the Welsh Labour Government to protect renters from eviction, given the Secretary of State's commitment that no one should lose their home due to coronavirus.
We are committed to bringing forward legislation to deliver a better deal for renters, including repealing section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 as a priority. The Government have brought forward an unprecedented array of measures to support tenants through the coronavirus epidemic: protected 8.6 million households; increased local housing allowance to the 30th percentile; given local authorities £500 million of crisis grants; and introduced the furlough scheme.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the imminent end of the evictions ban on August 23rd, with criticism that the Government has not acted promptly to protect renters.
Thangam Debbonaire pressed for a guarantee from the Minister to honour the Secretary of State's words in March stating 'no one should lose their home as a result of coronavirus'. She asked specifically if the Government would bring in measures such as raising LHA temporarily, scrapping section 21, or giving courts discretion in arrears cases.
The Government have brought forward an array of measures to support hard-pressed renters, including increasing local housing allowance; giving local authorities £500 million of crisis grants; and introducing the furlough scheme. The Lord Chancellor is about to introduce a measure making it difficult for landlords without 'good cause' to bring their application to court by requiring courts to describe the effect on tenants of an eviction.
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