Labour calls on government to reinstate the ban on evictions and repossessions in light of ongoing COVID-19 situation

Shadow Housing Secretary also highlights need for a 'credible long-term plan' to ensure that no-one loses their home due to coronavirus

The Labour Party has called on the government to reinstate the ban on evictions and repossessions in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation

In a letter to Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Housing Secretary Thangam Debbonnaire highlights that when the evictions ban - introduced on 27 March 2020 at the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic) - was lifted in September, the government promised that evictions would not be enforced in local lockdown areas and that there would be a truce on enforcement over Christmas.

With a second national lockdown imminent, Ms Debbonaire therefore asks - 

'Will you re-instate the evictions ban, as well as the ban on repossessions to protect home-owners, and come forward with a credible plan to keep your promise that no-one will lose their home due to coronavirus?'

In respect of the long-term plan, Ms Debbonaire continues - 

'Will you raise Local Housing Allowance to average rents, and bring forward a plan to address the arrears crisis which is putting hundreds of thousands of renters at risk of losing their home?..

What steps are you taking to ensure that renters are not illegally evicted over winter, and have access to advice and support where it is needed?..

Will you ... clarify the position for those borrowers who have already taken a six-month mortgage holiday ... and update the Support for Mortgage Interest Scheme to ensure it provides adequate support to homeowners?

Ms Debbonaire's letter to the Secretary of State is available from labour.org.uk