St Mungo’s responds to extension of evictions ban

St Mungo’s has welcomed the news that the Government will do more to protect renters from losing their homes by extending the eviction ban until 20 September.

Steve Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, said: “Public understanding of this issue has put it high up on the Government’s agenda. That is where it should remain while a credible long term plan is set out for people at risk of homelessness. The extension, however, doesn’t stop people building up rent arrears, which themselves can be a barrier to securing housing in the future.

“Government, alongside others including charities seeking to prevent homelessness, must use this breathing space to come up with a longer term strategy. The upcoming Spending Review is a golden opportunity to ensure funding and safeguards for those at risk of homelessness as the recession bites. We’ve set out the key changes that our clients and staff tell us will make a huge long term impact and we urge the Government to include these in their future plans.”

These are:

• Suspend the benefit cap
• Increase LHA rates
• Suspend No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) restrictions to make it easier for people losing work to afford their housing with help from the benefit system, and to prevent homelessness in this way

Dame Louise Casey stepping down

Commenting on the news that Dame Louise Casey is stepping down from the rough sleeping taskforce, Steve Douglas said: “Dame Louise was a catalyst for the success of the Everyone In initiative that undoubtedly saved lives during the first months of the pandemic. We echo Crisis’ concern that her departure must not leave a leadership vacuum. Her intended work on a review of the rough sleeping strategy must continue. Ending rough sleeping is a manifesto commitment and we must build on the success of Everyone In.”