5 Years Ago…
Five years ago today, under Theresa May, the Government promised a new deal to abolish unfair Section 21 evictions and introduce open-ended tenancies for private renters.
In this time, we’ve seen the number of no-fault eviction court proceedings hit a seven-year high. There was a 32% increase in the number of Section 21 notices served in 2023 compared to 2022. These notices are a significant contributing factor in pushing many into homelessness. Statistics released by the Government earlier this year show a devastating increase of 10% in households in Temporary Accommodation since 2022. The Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England for Autumn 2023 showed that 3,898 people are estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night. Simultaneously, rents are the highest they’ve been since the data was first captured in 2006, according to the ONS.
These figures clearly illustrate the symptoms of a housing crisis. We are in dire need of positive change to improve the lives of millions. The Renters (Reform) Bill has the potential to empower renters to stand up against poor practices.
It has almost been a year since the Renters Reform Bill was first introduced to Parliament. Now, it is due to enter the Report stage soon, where MPs will have the opportunity to consider further amendments and a third reading will follow. A4R, along with our fellow organisations who are part of the Renters Reform Coalition, call on the Bill to be strengthened and passed with urgency. This Bill plays a vital role in changing the lives of 11 million renters across England, and therefore it is crucial that the Government prevents the Bill from being watered down. Further concessions and delays to the passing of the Bill will only lead to many more falling through the cracks of the broken housing system, leaving them vulnerable to the risk of homelessness and despair.
This is an opportunity for the Government to finally act on the commitment they made to the public five years ago, and for Housing Secretary Michael Gove to make good on his promise to get Section 21 evictions abolished by the time the public heads to the polls.