By Tony O’Riley-
An anticipated rise in homelessness in the Uk is continuing to spark fears despite an eleventh-hour extension of the British Government’s ban on evictions.
Fears have been raised that 250,000 people across the country could soon be at increased risk of eviction, according to homelessness charity Shelter.
District councils in the south of the county held meetings with the County Courts for Cumbria and Lancashire last week – in which directions were provided on new court protocols, following the anticipated lifting of possession proceedings.
The four-week-long ban extension was confirmed on Friday, after indications from Number 10 that it was considering a last-minute change of stance.
Opposition parties have warned that emergency legislation would be needed in order to prevent a wave of winter evictions that could leave thousands homeless nationwide. The British government provided homes for thousands of rough sleepers during the Uk lockdown, practically cleaning the streets of homelessness during those months.
South Lakes MP Tim Farron said the Government was ‘simply kicking the can down the road’ with the last-minute announcement of that the four-week ban would be extended.
South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) says it is working with partner bodies and county courts to offset the effects of the ban being lifted. Since lockdown began in March, SLDC has recorded a 40 per cent increase in the number of people contacting it for homelessness advice.
A spokesperson for SLDC said last week that ‘we do anticipate a further rise in enquiries when the suspension of evictions comes to an end
“South Lakes Housing is a social organisation above all – we do a lot of preventative work, such as helping people access the benefits they’re legally entitled to.
“So we won’t be rushing to take people to court or to start any eviction actions, as long as tenants engage with us – legal action is our last resort.”
Cllr Brook added: “There is little the team haven’t heard before and nobody should feel embarrassed about picking up the phone. We are here to help and it really is okay to ask.
“Our Housing Options team provides a one-stop service for local people experiencing difficulties, such as being asked to leave by their landlord, family/relationship breakdowns, young people leaving home, domestic violence, and getting into arrears with rent/mortgage.