LGA warns of homelessness wave as eviction ban ends

Councils have expressed concern for families around the ‘cliff-edge’ to become homeless because the ban on bailiff-enforced evictions ends.

The Local Government Association asserted councils wish to use the federal government on a intend to support and protect households in which to stay their homes, in as many cases as possible. Including monitoring the outcome from the end of the ban, ensuring councils get access to resources to support individuals to keep their tenancies, improving support through the welfare system in the short-term, and powers to acquire and build less expensive homes in the long-term.

Councils are with a bundle of measures including: bringing forward the government’s pledge to finish ‘no-fault evictions’; improved protection through the welfare system; an instantaneous overview of the outcome from the overall benefits cap poor the pandemic; making certain councils have sufficient resources to support households vulnerable to homelessness; powers for councils to acquire empty homes; and setting out plans to generate a step-change in social housing – the LGA is looking for 100,000 social homes for rent to become delivered every year.

David Renard, LGA housing spokesperson, said: “The government was to introduce the ban on evictions, and eviction enforcement, from the start of the pandemic. It gave vital reassurance to families who have been vulnerable to losing their homes.

“We understand that the ban cannot last indefinitely. However, lifting the ban will leave some households in the cliff-edge to become homeless. This is why it is crucial we ensure there is a safety net of support in place to avoid this from happening. Our six-point plan would help ensure as many people as possible remain in their houses and go towards preventing homelessness from happening to begin with.”