Charities have welcomed moves to protect tenants from all ongoing housing evictions.

The Government has confirmed that all ongoing housing possession action will be suspended for at least three months to ensure people do not have to leave their house during the current health crisis.

Landlords will also have to give at least three months’ notice if they intent to seek possession so won’t be allowed to start the court process until after this period.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: ‘We’re very glad to see the government has changed its approach and is now introducing a full ban on evictions, giving much-needed protection for renters at this critical time.

‘Robert Jenrick should take a lot of credit for having listened and taken further action - as a result many thousands of people can now stay safe in their homes.’