Oct

Times political editor claims Section 21 evictions ban to be ‘shelved’ by Truss

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A tweet by the political editor of The Times newspaper has claimed that Liz Truss is about to U-turn on abolishing Section 21 evictions.

Steven Swinford took to the social media platform late last night to claim that Liz Truss is shelving Michael Gove’s plans to end no-fault evictions, which were due to be introduced in this Parliamentary session

“The Times has been told that they are not considered a priority & could be killed off entirely, despite being a manifesto commitment,” he says.

Although Swinfords unattributed claims have only been mentioned in passing within his newspaper, commentary has been swift from key figures within the industry.

Paul Shamplina (pictured), founder of Landlord Action, says: “If this true, after three years of indecision about being abolished, it would be a major victory for landlords.

“I speak to landlords and agents every day and the feedback has been they generally have been worried about being able to gain possession of a property back.

“This move will also see a lot of landlords change their mind in selling up, which can only be good for tenants. Housing stock has been dwindling and rents have been rising. I’ve said it all along it’s called non fault eviction, but there is always a fault.”

Condemnation from Labour figures and housing campaigners has also been swift. Labour’s Lisa Nandy, shadow cabinet member for the DLUHC, says: “Millions of people are only a few weeks from losing their home through no fault of their own. The Tories promised to stop this at the last election. Now this. You cannot trust a single word they say.

Matthew Pennycook (pictured), Labour’s housing spokesperson, adds: “Liz Truss has decided to betray private renters. Labour will abolish section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and strengthen tenants’ rights through a new renters’ charter.”

And Baroness Kennedy, director of Generation Rent says: “Totally flabbergasted. The Conservatives commitment to abolish evictions for no reason was made after a consultation, at a general election, confirmed by two prime ministers at three Queen’s speeches – if this is true it is shameful.”

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