Thank you for contacting me about people renting during the outbreak of Covid-19.
I share your concern about protections for people renting during the outbreak of Covid-19. The guarantee of a home gives a peace of mind that is needed during this time. I welcome the news that a range of measures have been announced to protect people in the private and social rented sectors.
Emergency legislation is helping to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 for renters and landlords. I am glad that the Government is protecting people who are renting by suspending new evictions from social or private rented accommodation while this national emergency is taking place. No new possession proceedings through applications to the court will start during the crisis.
I welcome the news that a new £500 million Hardship Fund has been announced that will provide economically vulnerable individuals with financial support. Most of this funding will be used to provide more Council Tax relief, either through existing Local Council Tax Support schemes, or through similar measures. Statutory Sick Pay is also now being paid from day one of being sick, rather than day four.