Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to extend the suspension due to the covid-19 outbreak of private rented sector evictions scheduled to end on 22 August 2020.

As Government takes steps in the next phase of the COVID-19 response, it is right that we consider how measures should adapt.? On 13 May the Government took decisive steps to unlock the housing market, enabling people, whether they own or rent, to move home safely if they need to.

As part of this, the current pause for possession cases in the courts will end on the 23 August.? This is an important step towards transitioning out of emergency measures and allowing the market to operate, ensuring all people – landlords and tenants – have appropriate access to justice in cases that are not related to COVID-19, such as cases of anti-social behaviour and longstanding cases that pre-date lockdown measures being put in place.

However, we recognise that when possession cases are being heard, further steps may be needed to protect the most vulnerable.? Landlords must follow strict procedures if they want?to gain possession of their?property, depending on the type of tenancy agreement in place and the terms of it.? The Government has also been working closely with the judiciary, legal representatives, the advice sector and housing sector stakeholders through a working group convened by the Master of the Rolls.? This group is considering arrangements that will mean that courts are better able to address the need for appropriate protection of all parties in the current legislative framework once the suspension of proceedings ends.