The Labour party has today (29 May) warned of
the impact of evictions across the country, as the ban is set to
lift on Monday 31 May.
Their new analysis estimates that the increase
in evictions when the ban is lifted could cost the country £2.2
billion in costs to provide temporary accommodation and other
support to those facing homelessness as a result of
eviction.
Commenting on this analysis and
the ban ending, Jon Sparkes,
Chief Executive of Crisis, said
“There is no doubt that the protections for renters
put in place over the last year have prevented many people from
facing homelessness during the pandemic.
“We know that many renters have been battling with
mounting financial pressures and arrears as a result of the
pandemic though. With the eviction ban ending on Monday, we risk
seeing many people in the most vulnerable circumstances being
pushed into homelessness.”
“The Government has committed to a white paper on
renting reforms expected this autumn - this is welcome and we
look forward to working with the Government on the detail within
this to make sure renters are protected from homelessness in the
long-term.
“We cannot forget renters at risk of homelessness
right now though, which is why we urgently need to see
commitments addressing the financial pressure many are currently
facing. These include a financial package of support for renters
in arrears and continuing the uplift of local housing allowance
rates so they meet the cheapest third of rents.”
