Citizens Advice has called once again for public funds to help tenants in Covid-related arrears.
Alistair Cromwell, acting chief executive of the charity, makes the plea in a statement backing the government’s eviction ban extension.
He says: “The government has made the right decision to extend this protection. Renters who are struggling with arrears shouldn’t face the prospect of losing the roof over their head when everyone is being asked to stay at home.
“However, there are still hundreds of thousands of people in arrears and this debt will continue to hang over them. The government should put in place targeted financial support for tenants in England who’ve fallen behind on their rent.”
The charity estimates that half a million renters are in arrears, with the average amount owed being £730, which would mean around £360m is owed across the country.
It wants a legal ban on bailiff action and pause on all possession proceedings during the national lockdown, and cash help for people in England who’ve built up rent arrears.
“The government should consider a system of grants and government-backed loans - comparable to schemes in Scotland and Wales - to help people pay back their rent arrears sustainably and stay in their homes” urges the charity.
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Can someone explain to me the difference between a tenants financial position with the pandemic and a homeowner. Surely if money is being asked by tenants then homeowners should get the same or are they now the second class citizens
Agreed. It's much easier to reduce rent obligations by moving out than reduce mortgage obligations.
Are home owners second class citizens? I think we all know the answer to that these days... :-(
An evictions ban together with a loan scheme for tenants - with money paid direct to LLs- would prevent people from being evicted whilst they get themselves back on their feet. The alternative is a landslide of evictions post covid with many tenants receiving CCJs &/or poor references so un able to rent again, LLs selling up and homelessness increasing. It is common sense & the Govt should see that a relatively small sum of money could prevent chaos in the housing market post covid.
Total common sense Tricia, but this is why us landlords, and the self employed generally succeed in business, where as those with the Eton education really haven't got a clue in a crisis .
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