Lib Dems call for a Christmas evictions ban

The Government is being urged to implement a ban on evictions over Christmas in the private rented sector by the Liberal Democrats.

The party’s leader, Sir Ed Davey says that thousands of families face ‘a nightmare before Christmas’.

In addition to the eviction ban for renters, Sir Ed is also calling for the government to prevent banks from repossessing homes over the festive period.

He says that ‘no-one should face losing their home’ and highlights that rising interest rates have affected lots of homeowners after the market turmoil that followed Liz Truss’s mini-Budget.

The Lib Dems say that 62,500 mortgage holders will see the end of their fixed rate deals with many moving onto higher rates. Their repayments could increase by £3,000.

Offer grants of £300 a month to homeowners

The party now wants the government to offer grants of £300 a month to homeowners for up to a year for any homeowner who sees their mortgage repayment increase by more than 10% of their household income.

The government says it has met with finance lenders to ensure that those mortgage holders who are struggling financially are being supported.

The Lib Dems say they also want to see an immediate ban on evictions and home repossessions between now and 31 December – it would run along similar lines to the pandemic eviction ban.

Sir Ed says he wants the government to implement urgent legislation before Parliament’s Christmas recess to re-enact a ban on no-fault evictions.

Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions being banned

The Lib Dems are also calling for housing benefit to be increased and for the implementation of the legislation that would see Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions being banned.

In response, a government spokesperson said an extra £50 million was being delivered to help prevent evictions and help secure places for people to live in.

The spokesperson added that the most vulnerable households were being offered cost of living payments and support with their energy bills.

The spokesperson also pointed out that the government is looking to ensure a fair deal for renters and deliver on its commitment to abolish section 21 evictions.