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Inquiry launched into impact of coronavirus on homelessness and private rented sector
MPs have launched an inquiry to assess the impact of the coronavirus crisis on homelessness, rough sleeping and the private rented sector.
The Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee will examine the government’s ‘Everyone In’ scheme, which was launched at the end of March to ensure rough sleepers were housed in hotels or emergency accommodation.
It will also look into various government schemes that provide support to private renters during the coronavirus crisis, including halting evictions for three months and raising the Local Housing Allowance rate.
In a statement the HCLG Committee said: “There are concerns about the short and long-term impact of these strategies, including the quality of accommodation and access to amenities, such as for homeless people in temporary accommodation and the exit strategy when social distancing measures are reduced.”
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Last week, Inside Housing reported that charities and housing providers were struggling to support rough sleepers living temporarily in hotels. This included difficulties in providing food or supporting those who have drug and alcohol dependency issues.
The HCLG Committee said there are also concerns that private tenants who may build up rents arrears over the coming months will still face eviction when the current three-month ban expires.
Clive Betts, chair of the HCLG Committee, said: “It is vital that those in precarious living situations are supported by the government.
“We must ensure that people without homes and those sleeping rough are protected during this health crisis.
“Equally, people cannot be forced to leave their homes at a time when finding a new place to live simply isn’t possible
“However, we must also look at what will happen a month from now and beyond. Where will those currently housed in hotels go when the Everyone In scheme expires?
“What happens in three months time when the eviction ban lapses for people who have no job and now owe three months’ rent?”
Last week, Mr Betts wrote a letter to housing secretary Robert Jenrick asking him to appear in front of the committee on 27 April; the chair added that he was “disappointed that attempts to facilitate this have so far been unsuccessful”.
Mr Betts said: “The committee notes that many other ministers including the health secretary, transport secretary, and the justice secretary have given evidence to their select committees already, and in many cases further sessions with ministers have also been held.
“We welcome this transparent approach to scrutiny, which is vital in the current circumstances.”
