During the pandemic, an eviction ban was introduced across the UK to protect tenants from the prospect of losing their homes at such an uncertain time. In June 2021, this ban was lifted. The result? We’re now seeing thousands of people struggling to make ends meet in the face of a cost of living crisis, and dealing with the very frightening prospect of being evicted from their homes.
To say we’re concerned about this would be an understatement. The rising cost of living, fresh from a crippling pandemic is challenging enough without the added worry of losing your home. Make no mistake, if things continue as they are, we’ll soon be facing a homelessness crisis of epic proportions.
So, how is an eviction ban part of the answer? How could it help to tackle homelessness?
Prevents no-fault evictions
There are around 4.4 million households living in private rented accommodation in the UK. For tenants struggling financially, being evicted without reason from their home could leave them in an incredibly difficult position.
Rental prices are increasing at their quickest annual rate in 16 years, and there’s a national shortage of rental housing across the UK. Just two of the major obstacles people are facing when it comes to finding a new place to live.
An eviction ban provides a safety net that will protect those people most at risk of homelessness. The bottom line is that homelessness can happen to any of us. Nobody should have to worry about whether they’ll lose their home when they’re already struggling to make ends meet.
Helps with the cost of living crisis
Around 20,000 British households faced homelessness after being evicted by their landlords in the last year. That’s a shocking statistic.
We already know how closely the cost of living crisis is connected to homelessness. Without an eviction ban, we’re only going to see more people who simply can’t afford to live, facing homelessness.
Gas and electricity bills are soaring. Food prices are on the rise. For those who can’t keep up with these extortionate prices, being able to afford to heat their home over winter will soon be a luxury instead of a given. Imagine being in this situation only to be told that you need to move out of your home and find somewhere else to live. It’s a nightmare that will soon be many people’s reality.
Protects those already struggling
In order to break the cycle of homelessness, we need more protection for individuals who are already struggling. Whether they’re unable to secure a job, fleeing from violence, or suffering with a physical or mental illness, it’s not fair that some people are left to go under the radar and unnoticed. Nobody should be invisible.
Whilst an eviction ban certainly won’t solve every problem, it could be a key step in providing more security for people who are facing unimaginable difficulties.
We’re going to need your help more than ever this year, as the cost of living crisis puts more households in danger of facing homelessness.
Can you support our outreach work and help us to connect with the people that need us most? Sign up for Simon’s Big Sleep Out, our flagship fundraiser, on Thursday 20th October, and help us to break the cycle of homelessness.