LGA warns of homelessness wave as eviction ban ends

Councils have expressed concern for families on the ‘cliff-edge’ of becoming homeless as the ban on bailiff-enforced evictions ends.

The Local Government Association said that councils want to work with the government on a plan to support and protect households to stay in their homes, in as many cases as possible. This includes monitoring the impact of the end of the ban, ensuring councils have access to resources to support people to keep their tenancies, improving support through the welfare system in the short-term, and powers to acquire and build more affordable homes in the long-term.

Councils are calling for a package of measures including: bringing forward the government’s pledge to end ‘no fault evictions’; improved protection through the welfare system; an immediate review of the impact of the overall benefits cap in the context of the pandemic; ensuring that councils have enough resources to support households at risk of homelessness; powers for councils to acquire empty homes; and setting out plans to deliver a step-change in social housing – the LGA is calling for 100,000 social homes for rent to be delivered every year.

David Renard, LGA housing spokesperson, said: “The government was right to introduce the ban on evictions, and eviction enforcement, from the start of the pandemic. It gave vital reassurance to families who were at risk of losing their homes.

“We also understand that the ban cannot last indefinitely. However, lifting the ban will leave some households at the cliff-edge of becoming homeless. This is why it is essential we ensure there is a safety net of support in place to prevent this from happening. Our six-point plan would help ensure as many people as possible remain in their homes and go towards preventing homelessness from happening in the first place.”