Nearly every district council in England has seen a spike in
people using food banks during the pandemic, while two thirds
report an increase in having to mediate in family breakdowns,
according to a new survey which reveals the devastating impact of
COVID-19 on hard-pressed families.
The survey by the District Councils’ Network lays bare the
challenges and financial hardship households have faced in the
last year, and the support they have needed from their local
authority.
These range from intervening in family disputes, managing
increased homeless and mediating with landlords despite the
eviction ban.
Among the survey’s key findings, during 2020/21, compared with
the year before the pandemic:
- More than nine in 10 district councils
have reported an increase in food bank usage
- Almost two-thirds have had to provide
support and mediation in family disputes and crises during
lockdown
- Eighty-five per cent have seen an increase
in claims from homeless households for temporary accommodation
- Despite the eviction ban, nearly half of
districts have had to intervene in more disputes with landlords
and tenants than before the pandemic
- Ninety-three per cent of district councils
have seen an increase in demand for help with paying council tax
Councils have welcomed measures brought in by Government across
the pandemic but are concerned that there will be further rise in
need for help when the eviction ban ends on 31 May.
Nearly three-quarters anticipate a likely rise in rough sleeping
and almost nine in 10 districts expect an increase in
homelessness.
The DCN, which represents 187 district councils in England
responsible for directly supporting households facing hardship,
is calling for a continuation of many supportive measures
introduced by government during the pandemic.
This should see an increase in the Local Housing Allowance to
reduce the risks of homelessness, and further funding and
flexibilities in council tax support and discretionary housing
payments.
Councils are saying a further extension of the eviction ban will
be essential and that in the meantime the Government must work
with councils to introduce the measures that prevents the likely
wave in homelessness following it eventually being lifted.
The DCN has previously warned that nearly half a million
(486,242) private tenants who pay over half their income on rent
could be at risk of eviction when the ban ends.
Cllr Giles Archibald, DCN’s Better Lives spokesperson, said:
“These hard-hitting findings reveal the devastating toll of
coronavirus on households who have struggled to pay the bills,
put food on the table, and keep a roof over their heads.
“The Government has stepped in and provided much-needed
additional support for families.
“But while these have been welcome, there are serious concerns
that if many measures do not continue, many families will be
unable to get by.
“District councils, who have been on the frontline fighting
coronavirus, will continue to do everything they can to support
households facing hardship.
“However, this needs to be backed up with the continuation of
many welfare measures brought in during the pandemic, and support
for councils to lead the local effort to create jobs and support
families across our towns and cities. Without this many families
could face disaster.”
