Select Committee launches inquiry into the impact of coronavirus on homeless people and those in the private rented sector

Inquiry will examine how effective government support has been so far, and consider what long term strategies need to be put in place to support both groups once current measures expire

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry into the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on homeless people and those in the private rented sector.

Acknowledging the measures the government has already put in place in relation to homelessness, rough sleeping and the private rented sector - including the 'Everyone In' scheme requiring local authorities to house rough sleepers in hotels or emergency accommodation, halting evictions in the private rented sector for three months, and raising the local housing allowance rate - the Committee nevertheless expresses concerns about - 

• the quality of accommodation and access to amenities for homeless people in temporary accommodation;
• the exit strategy when social distancing measures are reduced; and
• people in the private rented sector building up rent arrears and therefore still facing eviction when the three-month ban expires.

Inviting responses to its inquiry by 1 May 2020 - the Committee asks - 

• how effective has the support provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and other government departments been in addressing the impact of COVID-19 on those in the private rented sector, rough sleepers, and the homeless;
• what problems remain a current and immediate concern for these groups; and
• what the immediate post-lockdown impacts for these groups might be, and what action is needed to address them .

Chair of the Committee Clive Betts said today- 

'It is vital that those in precarious living situations are supported by the Government. We must ensure that people without homes and those sleeping rough are protected during this health crisis. Equally, people cannot be forced to leave their homes at a time when finding a new place to live simply isn’t possible

“However, we must also look at what will happen a month from now and beyond. Where will those currently housed in hotels go when the Everyone In scheme expires? What happens in three months time when the eviction ban lapses for people who have no job and now owe three months rent?'

For more information see Impact of Covid-19 (coronavirus) on homelessness and the private rented sector inquiry launched from parliament.uk