Labour's housing hypocrisy: councils serve almost 200 families with no-fault eviction notices

"Scrapping these orders, known as section 21 evictions, was one of Keir Starmer's main pledges before last July's general election but, more than a year later, they remain lawful. Local authorities cannot normally carry out no-fault evictions. These are permitted if renters have an assured shorthold tenancy, a type of rental agreement offered by private landlords. However, some councils have been able to sidestep this through arm's length companies set up to manage their housing stock."

"Since Labour gained power, companies owned by five of its councils have started no-fault eviction proceedings against 191 households. Some renters have been taken to court, with several being removed from their homes by bailiffs. The Guardian revealed last week that Lambeth council, in south London, was engaging in this practice through Homes for Lambeth, a company it set up in 2017 and is in the process of disbanding. The local authority has issued 63 no-fault eviction notices since last July."

"Lambeth council said it faced incredibly difficult choices but had decided to use the properties to house those already homeless. Jules Zakolska, 27, said she and fellow tenants were traumatised by the thought they too may end up in temporary accommodation, adding that some were suicidal. Documents show Lambeth council delayed full implementation of the plan as it was deemed too controversial a decision to take during the pre-election period."

Labour-run councils have used a legal loophole to issue section 21 no-fault eviction notices through arm's-length companies that manage council housing stock. Since the election, companies owned by five Labour councils have started eviction proceedings against 191 households, with some renters taken to court and several removed by bailiffs. Lambeth alone issued 63 notices and pursued possession orders, citing a decision to rehouse people who are already homeless. Tenants report trauma and fear of temporary accommodation, and councils delayed implementation of plans during the pre-election period due to controversy.

Read at www.theguardian.com