SCOTLAND faces a “disastrous spike in evictions” after coronavirus protections end, an expert body has warned.
A range of measures have been put in place by Westminster and Holyrood to provide lifeline help throughout the lockdown period, including action aimed at keeping tenants in their homes.
But the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland (CIH Scotland) says there’s still a chance we’ll enter a new housing crisis “that could leave thousands homeless and cost housing providers millions” when current protections like the furlough scheme end.
As many as 920,000 households in Scotland have private or social landlords.
CIH Scotland fears many tenants face an upcoming “financial cliff edge”.
It is calling for anti-eviction safeguards to be built into all Covid-19-related arrears payment plans, providing tenants agree to and comply with the requirements of these.
It is also seeking Universal Credit reforms to end the five-week wait for initial payments, the temporary suspension of the benefit cap and controversial two-child limit which leaves families without support for third and subsequent youngsters.
It is also arguing for an increase in local housing allowance and a one-year lifting of the rules which prevent some within the immigration and visa system from accessing any state support, regardless of their circumstances.
And it suggests changes to the Scottish Government loan scheme to address the loss of rental income to landlords with more than one property.
One-off payments to local authorities and housing associations are also suggested to “stabilise landlord accounts where these can shown to be needed” on account of lost payments from tenants.
Callum Chomczuk, national director of CIH Scotland, says the proposals are “practical and proportionate”. He commented: “While the measures put in place by government and landlords are helping we have to think about what comes next.
“The burden cannot simply be put onto landlords.
“That could lead to defaults on mortgages and enforced sales, which could deplete the sector just when that capacity is most needed. This needs government action too.”
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