21 August 2020
The ban on evictions in England has today been extended until 20 September. [1]
The ban was due to end on Sunday, 23 August, risking an unprecedented wave of homelessness, with a possible second wave of coronavirus on the way.
Responding to the announcement, Green Party councillor Carla Denyer from Bristol said:
“A one month extension to the ban is simply not enough. It must be extended until this crisis is over.
“Citizens Advice has said [2] that carers, key workers and those who have been shielding are set to be most at risk. This is an intolerable injustice.
“Everybody has the right to a home always, but especially during a pandemic the government must do whatever it takes to ensure people are protected and not left without a safe place to live.
“Throughout lockdown the Greens have been calling for a permanent end to no-fault evictions and for rent arrears accrued during the pandemic to be forgiven to ensure that nobody is left behind on housing security. [3]
“This latest u-turn does not offer the security renters need. Thousands of people will still be left fearing what is going to happen in just a few weeks.
“The government must make clear that nobody will be forced on to the streets during this pandemic.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53851945
2
3
The Green Party’s “Whatever It Takes” sets out the party’s plan to ensure no one is left behind during this pandemic
https://medium.com/@TheGreenParty/whatever-it-takes-60091678a239
Follow this news feed: Green Party