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NHF: housing associations should not evict any tenants impacted by coronavirus
No housing association tenant should be evicted as a result of the coronavirus, the National Housing Federation (NHF) has warned its members.
In a statement issued today, Kate Henderson, chief executive of the NHF, said: “No one should be evicted because of the coronavirus.
“We are confident that no housing association will do this and want anyone affected by the outbreak to be reassured they will not be evicted.”
Ms Henderson said that as charitable organisations, housing associations recognise that a number of people living in social housing work for low or irregular wages in insecure employment and may be placed in serious difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms Henderson said that any tenant who is worried about financial difficulties should reach out to their housing association for support.
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She added: “Housing associations offer extensive financial help and support for people, including help claiming benefits.
“They are putting in extra support measures during this challenging time and will be doing everything they can to support residents.”
Mr Henderson welcomed the steps taken by the government so far to provide financial help to businesses and workers, but urged the government to go “even further to strengthen the welfare system to ensure that everyone who needs it can quickly get help if their income drops”.
Yesterday, chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the government was making £330bn worth of loans available to businesses affected by the virus, and said he has agreed a three-month “mortgage holiday” with lenders.
However, many are calling on the government to do more to support renters.
Yesterday, Labour shadow housing secretary John Healy announced that he had drawn up draft legislation to prevent evictions throughout the outbreak.
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