10 December, 2020 Open access
10 December, 2020 Open access
New statutory instrument
New regulations have been issued in Scotland in relation to banning the enforcement of eviction orders in order to reduce the incidence and spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
In force from 11 December 2020, the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Protection from Eviction) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (SSI.No.425/2020) introduce a temporary ban on the enforcement of eviction orders – across both the private and social rented sectors - from 11 December 2020 to 22 January 2021 except in the most serious circumstances -
The policy note accompanying the regulations clarifies that -
'This temporary action is in direct response to the continued need to protect public health during the unprecedented times that we continue to face. The timeframe of no evictions taking place between 11 December and 22 January will help prevent additional burdens being placed on health and housing services, which are always stretched over the festive period but even more so this year due to the impact of the pandemic with staff having to work from home or self-isolate.
This would enable any tenants who have taken the opportunity to mix with other households over the festive period - due to the relaxed restrictions - time to effectively self-isolate should they come into contact with a positive person and then make plans for moving where necessary.
We also know that the pandemic has already had a negative impact on mental health, in particular on children, so reducing stress and allowing time for families to gather (following the guidance) is important this year more than any other. An eviction during this time could put that in jeopardy so this proposal supports mental health.'
SSI.No.425/2020 is available from legislation.gov.uk
Our webtools: