“Councils remain concerned that the ending of the ban could see a rise in homelessness. They will continue to support tenants who are experiencing financial difficulty, but want to work with government on a long-term plan that will safeguard renters and help them to stay in their homes, in as many cases as possible."
Responding to the support set out by government for renters this winter, Cllr David Renard, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, said:
“It is good the Government has set out measures to support renters, which will go some way to helping to protect tenants struggling financially and at risk of eviction when the ban ends.
“Councils remain concerned that the ending of the ban could see a rise in homelessness. They will continue to support tenants who are experiencing financial difficulty, but want to work with government on a long-term plan that will safeguard renters and help them to stay in their homes, in as many cases as possible.
“To give further protection to households, the Government should bring forward its pledge to end ‘no fault evictions’ as well as commit to maintaining local housing allowance rates at the lowest third of market rents beyond the period it has committed to. It is also vital that the role of the local safety net is both properly recognised and adequately resourced in the forthcoming Spending Review.
“This will mean that tenants can have greater security and support to meet their housing costs.”