Vulnerable renters struggling due to the impact of the pandemic
will be helped by a £65 million support package announced by the
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities today (23
October 2021).
The funding will be given to councils in England to support
low-income earners in rent arrears – helping to prevent
homelessness and support families get back on their feet.
Renters across the country have been protected throughout the
pandemic because of government action, including a ban on
evictions and a £400 billion support package for the economy.
Today’s extra funding comes on top of the £500 million Household
Support Fund, which was announced by the government in September
and is helping vulnerable households across the country with the
cost of food, energy, water and other essentials.
Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing said:
We have taken action throughout the pandemic to support the most
vulnerable families, and it is vital we continue to provide
support as we enter the winter months.
This new funding will support families that are struggling and
help to get them back on their feet as we begin to recover from
the COVID-19 pandemic.
The £65 million will be available through the winter months and
households at risk of eviction or homelessness should contact
their local council if they require support. The fund recognises
the impact the pandemic has had on households in the private
rented sector with the lowest income.
The government has already provided £310 million to councils this
year through the Homelessness Prevention
Grant and this funding will increase that grant by a
further £65 million this year. £140 million is also available
through Discretionary Housing Payments, which can also be used to
prevent evictions and help people find a new home.
The £500 million Household Support Fund provides £421 million to
help vulnerable people in England, with the devolved
administrations receiving almost £80 million. The funding is
primarily being used to support households with the cost of
essentials, although councils have flexibility to best address
local needs. At least 50% of the funding is reserved for
households with children.
It is for councils to determine the best way to support each
household on a case-by-case basis. Any payment is likely to be
paid directly to the existing landlord, or a new landlord if the
money is being used to support a household to find a new home.
The government is grateful to landlords for their support and the
funding will mean more of them will be able to reach agreements
with existing tenants.
Further information
In September the government launched a £500 million support fund
for vulnerable households over winter.
Councils received an additional £310 million to tackle
homelessness.
