Laura Sharman 18 February 2021

Calls to use Budget to tackle 'rent debt crisis'

Calls to use Budget to tackle rent debt crisis image

The chancellor has been warned that homelessness will increase if he fails to tackle the rent debt crisis in the upcoming Budget.

A group of organisations have called for targeted support to help the half a million private renters that are in arrears due to the pandemic.

This includes a financial package to help renters pay off arrears built since lockdown measures started in March last year.

The group also warned against plans to freeze Housing Benefit rates again from April, while cutting Universal Credit at the same time.

The joint statement said: 'We welcome many of the measures taken to date, which have helped to sustain tenancies in the short term. But they do not go far enough to adequately protect renters going forward.

'The longer the chancellor waits to take action, the more rent debts will increase, and the greater the risk of homelessness will become. Without additional support, more renters will lose their homes in the coming months, with the risk of an increase in homelessness.'

The call for action comes from The Big Issue Ride Out Recession Alliance, Crisis, Citizens Advice, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Money Advice Trust, The Mortgage Works, National Residential Landlords Association, Nationwide Building Society, Propertymark, StepChange Debt Charity and Shelter.

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Regeneration

Redbridge London Borough Council
£96,861 - £100,671
Right now, we’re in the midst of ambitious regeneration plans that will transform our borough for generations to come Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Leisure & Culture

Redbridge London Borough Council
£96,861 - £100,671
Our borough’s Leisure and Culture provision is integral to making Redbridge a great place to live Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Leader’s Office

Redbridge London Borough Council
£59,739 - £63,159
This role will see you working at the very centre of the Council’s work Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Operational Services

South Derbyshire District Council
£73,051 to £75,342
Ready to shape the future of a thriving district? Derbyshire
Recuriter: South Derbyshire District Council

Director of Family Help and Safeguarding

Reading Borough Council
£105,836 - £121,235
Lead Transformational and Improvement Change for Children’s Services Reading, Berkshire
Recuriter: Reading Borough Council
Linkedin Banner