Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about evictions during coronavirus.
The Government has taken a number of steps to protect renters during the coronavirus outbreak including introducing a five-month moratorium on evictions and suspending housing possession proceedings in the courts. This has provided security for millions of people at a time when many are struggling to make ends meet.
I understand your wish to see the moratorium on evictions extended. I believe that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is working closely with the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary on arrangements, including new rules, to ensure that when the courts re-open they are better able to address the need for appropriate protection of all parties.
I should mention that renters are benefiting from a £7 billion increase to Universal Credit and an increase in the Local Housing Allowance rate. In addition, the £500 million Hardship Fund is helping thousands of households struggling to make payments with additional support with council tax over this year.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Mel Stride MP
MP for Central Devon