Scottish Government confirms extension of temporary ban on eviction orders
Scottish Government confirms temporary ban on eviction orders has been extended.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the temporary ban on eviction orders has been extended. The extended ban will apply to all evictions in areas subject to level 3 or 4 restrictions. Exemptions remain in place for criminal or serious anti-social behaviour, including domestic abuse. The enforcement action ban regulations will be reviewed every 21 days.
The government has also announced that the Tenant Hardship Loan Fund will remain open for applications.
SFHA successfully called for the ban to only apply in areas with the highest restrictions as well as for the criminal and anti-social behaviour exemptions.
The Scottish Government has said that it is keen to work with SFHA to identify a successful transition out of the emergency arrangements.
A priority for SFHA in these discussions will be to emphasise to government the difference between the private and social rented sectors in terms of the numbers of evictions made, and the circumstances in which they are made. As evidenced in data collected by the Scottish Housing Regulator, the number of evictions carried out by housing associations is very low, with eviction orders only sought as an absolute last resort after all efforts have been made to engage with tenants to provide support.
SFHA is aware of the increasing impact the ban is having on members, including mounting debt and exacerbating cases of non-payment of rent. It is vital that the relationship housing associations have with their tenants in terms of work to support tenancy sustainment is not undermined.
SFHA will continue its discussions with the government, including demonstrating the impact the ban is having on members. It is SFHA’s aim to agree a managed approach to revert to pre-pandemic eviction notice periods as soon as possible.
Evidence from members of the impact the ban is having on their organisations and communities is a critical element of our discussions with government, so please send this to SFHA’s Senior Policy Manager, Stacey Dingwall, by emailing sdingwall@sfha.co.uk