Prime Minister Liz Truss has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to ending no-fault evictions in the private-rented sector, following reports the proposal could be scrapped.
During this week’s PMQ’s, Labour’s Graham Stringer – the MP for Blackley and Broughton – said going back on the commitment to end no-fault (Section 21) evictions “is an act of extreme callousness”.
He asked: “Can the prime minister reassure the 11 million private renters in this country that she will carry out the commitment to get rid of no-fault evictions?”
The prime minister responded: “Yes.”
Truss failed to clarify why the government is once again committed to the proposal, after reports emerged earlier in the week suggesting otherwise.
On Tuesday, The Times had reported that plans to end no-fault evictions were not considered a priority and could be scrapped entirely.
The speculation had produced outrage from many housing organisations.
Rick Henderson, CEO at charity Homeless Link, said: “Everyone deserves a safe place to live and the support they need to maintain it.
“But the growing numbers forced to rent privately are constantly at risk of eviction through no fault of their own.
“This lack of protection, coupled with soaring rents, has made evictions from the private rented sector one of the biggest drivers of homelessness in the past decade.”
Following the PM’s reaffirmation, the plans, which were introduced under Michael Gove’s tenure as Housing secretary, are still set to be introduced this Parliamentary session.
Image credit: I T S/Shutterstock
Read next: [WATCH] Simon Clarke visits first housing scheme since ministerial appointment
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.