Coronavirus: Government must protect millions of families from eviction amid Covid-19 crisis

FAMILIES who fall behind on their rent due to the coronavirus pandemic must be protected from eviction, the government has today been urged.
Millions of families could be protected from eviction amid the coronavirus crisis.Millions of families could be protected from eviction amid the coronavirus crisis.
Millions of families could be protected from eviction amid the coronavirus crisis.

Communities secretary Robert Jenrick is facing mounting pressure to offer struggling families more aid as Britain’s health crisis deepens.

Stephen Morgan, Labour’s shadow communities minister, said urgent new law needed to be adopted immediately.

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The Portsmouth South MP has called on Whitehall to ensure that any non-payment of rent due to coronavirus would not count as legal grounds for eviction.

His plea comes ahead of an emergency announcement by the chancellor later today, who is expected to unveil a rescue package for businesses hit by the pandemic.

Mr Morgan said the new legislation would cover 20 million people who rent from private, council or housing associations – including three million households with children in them,

He added: ‘I have taken this action today immediately after hearing constituents’ concerns.

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‘No one should face eviction during a pandemic and the government are in a position where they can ensure this does not happen.

‘It is a priority of mine at this time of national crisis to ensure Portsmouth people are safe and are protected. I hope ministers take forward these positive proposals for those that rent their home.’

The move would cover any arrears which have built up due to the effects of the pandemic between March 1 and September 1.

John Healey, Labour’s shadow housing secretary, added: ‘The coronavirus pandemic requires a rapid response from the government to protect families.

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‘Our current threadbare legal safety net means renters are vulnerable to eviction if they get ill and fall behind on their rent. The fear of being evicted may also mean workers are reluctant stay off work and self-isolate.

‘Our emergency legislation would protect renters from eviction and we urge the government to work with us to adopt it and implement it at the earliest opportunity.

‘This is an essential first step in public reassurance, giving people confidence they can follow official health advice in responding to coronavirus without putting their home at risk.’

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