Cross-party MPs warn of 'wave of homelessness'

MPs have written a letter to Minister for Rough Sleeping Luke Hall, warning that the country could see ‘a new wave of homelessness’ when a ban on evictions ends later this month.

The letter, which has been signed by nine Labour MPs, one DUP MP and 10 Lib Dem MPs, including the two party leadership candidates Sir Ed Davey and Layla Moran, urges the government to guarantee council funds to house rough sleepers for a year.

Evictions in England and Wales had initially been suspended until 25 June but the pause was extended to 23 August. Introduced in March as part of emergency legislation to protect those hit financially by the pandemic, the government said it would ‘continue to provide appropriate support’ to those affected. But has yet to say how.

Last month the Welsh Government stated that for evictions issued on or after 24 July this year, a six-month notice period would apply, with the exception of cases relating to anti-social behaviour. In Scotland, a similar ban on evicting renters has been extended by six months until March 2021.

The MPs have also urged Hall to scrap the Vagrancy Act - which still stands in England and Wales, having been repealed in Scotland. The Act allows police to arrest and fine people caught begging in public.

The letter states: "We need to treat all rough sleepers with as much compassion as possible at any time, and especially in the present circumstances - there is no need for the Act to remain in place.”