HOUSING campaigners have welcomed news that the Scottish Government has confirmed the ban on evictions would continue until March 31. 

Tenants union Living Rent have praised the move announced by housing minister Kevin Stewart today but believe the Scottish Government should go much further in providing support to tenants. 

The ban will be on the enforcement of eviction orders in the private and social rented sectors but this will only be in areas subject to level 3 and 4 coronavirus restrictions. The regulations will continue to be monitored every 21 days.

Speaking in parliament today, Mr Stewart said: “Extending the temporary ban on the enforcement of eviction orders in the private and social rented sectors in areas subject to level 3 and 4 restrictions will support tenants, and offer people protection from transmission of the virus by being able to stay safe in their homes.

“It will also prevent additional burdens being placed on health and housing services during a time where they are already working hard due to the impact of the pandemic. This is a proportionate response to an extremely challenging set of circumstances.

“In the case of serious anti-social or criminal behaviour – including domestic abuse – eviction orders can still be enforced.

“We have been clear that no landlord should evict a tenant because they have suffered financial hardship due to the pandemic. Tenants in difficulty should engage with their landlord and seek advice on the options open to them.”

“It will also prevent additional burdens being placed on health and housing services during a time where they are already working hard due to the impact of the pandemic. This is a proportionate response to an extremely challenging set of circumstances.

“In the case of serious anti-social or criminal behaviour – including domestic abuse – eviction orders can still be enforced.

“We have been clear that no landlord should evict a tenant because they have suffered financial hardship due to the pandemic. Tenants in difficulty should engage with their landlord and seek advice on the options open to them.”

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A statement released on behalf of Living Rent said: "We welcome the Scottish Government’s extension of the eviction ban in tier 3 and 4 areas. With the ongoing pandemic and surging case numbers, it has never been more important that tenants are able to stay safely and securely in their homes.

"Whilst crucial for the immediate safety of tenants, the ban unfortunately negates the economic impact of Coronavirus on tenants, who will be threatened with eviction again under tier 2 and lower restrictions, with homelessness services stretched and social housing availability limited.

"An eviction ban is a short term measure which fails to tackle on its own the widespread and long-term housing insecurity in Scotland.

"Beyond this eviction ban, the Scottish Government can and should act to support tenants with long-term solutions.

"Effective rent controls can be introduced and mass public housing can be built to last.

"Without further measures to accompany this ban, evictions, hardship and housing insecurity are set to continue.

"Living Rent members will continue to protect and voice the concerns of tenants threatened with eviction and housing insecurity across the city.”

Throughout the pandemic, the Scottish Government have taken a number of actions to support tenants which includes an increase to the discretionary housing budget from £11m to £19m and the introduction of the Tenant Hardship Loan Fund.