The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee to
examine the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the homelessness,
rough sleeping and the private rented sector.
In response to Covid-19, the Government launched the Everyone In
scheme, whereby local authorities were required to house rough
sleepers in hotels or emergency accommodation. They also
announced £3.2 million in funding for local authorities to
protect those who are homeless.
The Government has also introduced a number of schemes intended
to support people in the private rented sector, including halting
evictions for 3 months and raising the Local Housing Allowance
rate.
However, there are concerns about the short and long-term impact
of these strategies, including the quality of accommodation and
access to amenities, such as s for homeless people in temporary
accommodation and the exit strategy when social distancing
measures are reduced. There are also concerns about people in the
private rented sector who may build up rent arrears over the
coming months and still face eviction when the three month ban
expires.
The inquiry will examine how effective the Government support has
been in supporting individuals in the private rented sector or
who are homeless. It will also look at what long term strategies
will need to be put in place to support both groups in the
long-term, once current measures expire.
Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee,
said:
“It is vital that those in precarious living situations are
supported by the Government. We must ensure that people without
homes and those sleeping rough are protected during this health
crisis. Equally, people cannot be forced to leave their homes at
a time when finding a new place to live simply isn’t possible
“However, we must also look at what will happen a month from now
and beyond. Where will those currently housed in hotels go when
the Everyone In scheme expires? What happens in three months time
when the eviction ban lapses for people who have no job and now
owe three months rent?”
Terms of reference
The Committee invites written evidence on the impact of COVID-19
on homelessness, rough sleeping, and the private rented sector,
as well as any other connected issues. In particular, the
Committee is interesting in finding out:
- How effective has the support provided by MHCLG and other
Government departments in addressing the impact of COVID-19 on
those in the private rented sector, rough sleepers, and the
homeless?
- What problems remain a current and immediate concern for
these groups?
- What might be the immediate post-lockdown impacts for these
groups, and what action is needed to help with these?
