Today, Wednesday 18th March, the Government has brought forward emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or private rented accommodation while this national emergency is taking place.

Responding to the news, Matt Downie, Director of Policy and External Affairs, said: “This is a hugely welcome announcement. While we await the detail, we hope this means anyone served an eviction notice will not be left facing homelessness as a result of the pandemic.

“We appreciate that this needs to be a workable solution for renters and landlords, but would stress that any repayment plan must be affordable for tenants. If someone loses their job because of the outbreak and has no income coming in, they cannot be faced with intolerable levels of debt once these emergency measures are lifted.”