Tenants facing money worries urged to get in touch
Tenants who are worried about being evicted as the national eviction moratorium comes to an end are urged to contact Gloucester City Council for help.
The moratorium is due to end on 31 May and it may mean that some people struggle to keep their homes. Landlords are also being encouraged to get in touch if they have concerns about their tenants meeting housing costs.
The pandemic has had an impact on many peoples’ income and earnings with some unfortunately being furloughed or even losing their jobs. Others have struggled with mental health problems which may also have affected their ability to cope with day to day responsibilities.
The council is aiming to help people remain in their homes or where this isn’t possible provide advice and support on other housing choices to help them avoid homelessness. The earlier residents contact the council the more options there are available to help.
Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for planning and housing strategy at Gloucester City Council, said: “The Covid crisis has meant that many people have faced financial difficulties and have had to make tough choices. We want anyone who is worried about how they’re going to pay for their housing or who thinks that they may be evicted to contact us. We also want to hear from landlords and we’ll do our best to help them keep their tenants. I cannot emphasise enough that anyone with concerns shouldn’t wait and should contact either the council or one of our partner agencies as soon as possible.”
A spokesperson for Gloucester Law Centre said: “If you receive a possession claim or an eviction warrant from the court, you should seek help from Gloucester Law Centre immediately by calling 01452 423492 and selecting the housing option, or emailing contact@gloucesterlawcentre.co.uk and we will do our best to help. Gloucester City Council is being proactive in helping people in difficulty staying in their home and it is vital any one with concerns contacts ether the council or one of our partner agencies, the sooner they do so the sooner we are able to help.”
Becky Hayward, income manager for Gloucester City Homes said, “We are committed to discussing all aspects of our customers tenancy with them and we have spent the last 15 months safeguarding our customers against the threat of losing their homes as a result of the pandemic. We have been able keep in touch with our customers during this time and have gained some really great results working with them.
“Our Policy and last resort has always been evictions and this will always remain our position. We are committed to talking through every option with our customers alongside us exploring benefit maximisation and providing budgeting advice. Rent is a priority debt and we want to be able to ensure anyone living in one of properties can sustain their tenancy through affordable payment plans and solid communications. We are available to speak to people with concerns at any point during their tenancy and we will won’t look to evict someone who is willing to engage with us in a bid to assist them with keeping their homes.”
Anyone who is experiencing financial issues or is concerned about being evicted can also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau (www.gloscab.org.uk) for a range of advice include budgeting and debt management, Gloucester Law Centre (www.gloucesterlawcentre.co.uk) for legal advice, or the Money Advice Service (www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk).
Tenants can contact Gloucester City Council’s Homeless Team on 01452 396396 or email homeless.team@gloucester.gov.uk.