Those living in rented accommodation across the Isle of Wight will receive greater protection as the Government extends the suspension of new evictions until 23rd August.
The extension, which was announced by the Housing Secretary on Friday, takes the moratorium on evictions to a total of 5 months to ensure that renters continue to have certainty and security.
Ministers are also working with the judiciary, legal representatives and the advice sector on arrangements, including new rules, which will mean that courts are better able to address the need for appropriate protection of all parties, including those shielding from coronavirus. This is to ensure that judges have all the information necessary to make just decisions and that the most vulnerable tenants can get the help they need.
Where tenants do experience financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, the government is clear that landlords and tenants should work together and exhaust all possible options – such as flexible payment plans which take into account a tenant’s individual circumstances – to ensure cases only end up in court as an absolute last resort.
While the government is taking unprecedented action to protect tenants and landlords during these times, the ultimate ambition is to transition out of these measures at the end of August to allow the market to operate while ensuring people have appropriate access to justice.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP has said:
“We have provided an unprecedented package of support for renters during this pandemic. Today, I am announcing that the government’s ban on evictions will be extended for another 2 months. That takes the moratorium on evictions to a total of 5 months.
“Eviction hearings will not be heard in courts until the end of August and no-one will be evicted from their home this summer due to coronavirus.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are also working with the judiciary on proposals to ensure that when evictions proceedings do recommence, arrangements, including rules, are in place to assist the court in giving appropriate protections for those who have been particularly affected by coronavirus – including those tenants who have been shielding.
Cllr David Renard, Housing spokesman at the Local Government Association, has responded to the announcement by saying:
“We are pleased the Government has acted on our call to extend the current measures to protect tenants from eviction, which will provide reassurance that they will not lose their home because of coronavirus.
“Councils have been working closely with tenants who are experiencing financial difficulties, with many already suspending debt recovery and trying to use discretionary funding to support struggling households as quickly and effectively as possible.
“The continuation of these measures will help to mitigate against the rising homelessness pressures that councils are under as a result of the pandemic.
“We would like to see the Government follow this by bringing forward its pledge to end ‘no fault evictions’ and committing to maintaining local housing allowance rates at the lowest third of market rents so that tenants have greater security and households can meet their housing costs.”
Good idea. As long as the outrageous poll tax is not increased to pay it.
Justice for Landlords?
That’s a joke – no chance. And why this constant throwing of money to claimants using the ‘all-excuse’ of coronavirus? If they’re on benefits already then there has been no extra expense. They have also got an extra cash bung that extends to Christmas, already far longer than any help offered to anyone who might have been furloughed. And with the pubs shut, likely many of them have been making a saving.
Always throwing money at those who make poor life choices.
What about some of the poor landlods that rely on the rental income. So called renters not paying rent.
Where’s the protection for landlords getting shafted on their rent every month .