This article was first published on the Batchelor’s Solicitors website prior to its merger with Birketts.
The Government’s plans to ban Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, may be scrapped as part of its proposals to shelve policies that do not specifically “boost growth”.
The ban on no-fault evictions had been due to enter the statute books in 2023, but, according to The Times, the new Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing & Communities (LUHC), Simon Clarke, is considering reversing the decision.
Although the Government has stated that “no decisions have yet been made” various media reports have suggested that the LUHC is considering the reversal of a number of pledges made under Boris Johnson’s leadership.
A ban on no-fault evictions had received widespread cross-party support and had also received the backing of many private landlords and housing associations but the future of the policy is now in doubt.
It is understood that Mr Clarke may also be considering relaxing the rules on affordable housing.
Currently, planning rules stipulate that all new developments of 10 or more homes must include a number of properties as affordable housing.
However the BBC has reported that the Secretary of State is considering raising this threshold to a minimum of 40 or 50 properties to support the housebuilding sector.
Housing charities have urged the Government to stick to their original plans, warning that homelessness with increase further if Section 21 evictions remain in place, particularly during the current cost of living crisis.
The number of households evicted in England has increased dramatically in the past 12-month period.
Recent figures reveal that 19,790 Section 21 notices were served in 2021/22 – double that of the previous year, largely as a result of the Covid eviction ban being lifted.
A Government spokesperson commented that “no decisions have made” on the future of no-fault eviction legislation but said that “clearly, ensuring a fair deal for renters will always remain a priority for this Government”.
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The content of this article is for general information only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. If you require any further information in relation to this article please contact the author in the first instance. Law covered as at January 2023.