Labour’s shadow housing secretary claims that private renters have been “barely considered” during the past year of the pandemic.
Thangam Debbonaire made the comment in support of a Shelter statement which claimed over six million people in England were actively worried about becoming homeless.
The Shelter report also claims that private renters are almost twice as likely to feel depressed and anxious about their housing situation compared with the general public. Some 47 per cent say they are more depressed and anxious in light of the pandemic.
Further findings include that, in just the last month, 24 per cent of private renters have had to borrow money to pay their rent, 18 per cent have cut back on food or skipped meals to pay their rent, and 12 per cent have cut back on heating their home to pay their rent.
Debbonaire backs the report, saying: “A decade of Conservative governments has weakened the foundations of our economy. As a result, we came into this crisis with too many people just a few steps away from homelessness.
“Renters have been barely considered throughout this crisis. The government promised that no-one will lose their home because of Coronavirus, but holes in their so-called evictions ban mean thousands of people have been made homeless at the height of the pandemic.
“The government must strengthen the ban on evictions and deal with the growing arrears crisis.”
Join the conversation
Jump to latest comment and add your reply
barely considered?????? What plant is this person on??? Not Earth that’s for sure.
Good old Twangum Debutante grubbing in the dirt for votes. How typical of her and Labour.
"Labour’s shadow housing secretary claims that private renters have been “barely considered” during the past year of the pandemic" Well as the shadow housing secretary I think this is a very brave claim they've made about themselves, the Tories on the other hand have put plenty of provisions in place for them.
Typical Opposition sound bytes to grab headlines, without having to back them up. Private tenants are either in work or furloughed, so if the latter have been on 80% salary, with no reason to spend on holidays, meals out, gym etc, why can't they pay the rent and bills.
Yes David but please don’t let your common sense logic get in the way of point scoring for Shelter and Labour otherwise they would have nothing to complain about
Just more vote campaigning tripe
Bristol West.
Says it all.
Please login to comment