Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick: ‘We have provided an unprecedented package of support for renters during this pandemic’

YOUNG people say the coronavirus crisis could “cripple a generation” with many struggling to pay off rent debts built up over the lockdown period.

Islington Young Labour (IYL), has backed the “can’t pay, won’t pay” campaign led by the London Renters Union which is calling on the government to write off rent arrears.

The government has extended the ban on eviction proceedings from the end of June, to the end of August.

But IYL said this is merely kicking the can down the road and without “urgent action” there will be an “eviction crisis” once the ban is lifted.

IYL’s vice chairman of campaigns, Arthur Lewis, said: “For young people in London, extortionate house prices have put home ownership out of reach for all but the most fortunate. Soaring monthly rents leave little money for savings to help when times get tough. Without government intervention the Covid-19 rent crisis could financially cripple a generation.”

IYL chairman Keir Harris, 25, who lives off Holloway Road, said that the group also wants the government to make good on its manifesto promise to stop “no fault evictions”.

He added: “The Tory government is prioritising landlords’ profits over renters’ survival. To protect the most vulnerable they must suspend rents; cancel the crippling rent debts many have accumulated; extend the eviction ban at least until tenants have financially recovered from this crisis.”

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “We have provided an unprecedented package of support for renters during this pandemic.

“The government’s ban on evictions will be extended for another two months. That takes the moratorium on evictions to a total of five months.

“Eviction hearings will not be heard in courts until the end of August and no one will be evicted from their home this summer due to coronavirus.

“We are also working with the judiciary on proposals to ensure that when evictions proceedings do recommence, arrangements, including rules, are in place to assist the court in giving appropriate protections for those who have been particularly affected by coronavirus.”