Liz Truss stands by pledge to scrap no-fault evictions

Liz Truss has promised to stand by a Tory manifesto pledge to scrap so-called “no-fault” evictions.

The prime minister was earlier this week accused of “betraying” renters amid reports the policy could be ditched.

As Ms Truss appeared in the Commons at prime minister’s questions on Wednesday afternoon, Labour MP Graham Stringer rose to tell her that going back on the commitment would be an “act of extreme callousness”.

“Can the prime minister reassure the 11 million private renters in this country that she will carry out the commitment to get rid of no-fault evictions?” he asked.

In a short reply, the prime minister said: “I can.”

Reports in The Times newspaper earlier this week that the policy had been ditched caused outrage from homelessness charities and campaigners.

Under a no-fault eviction, also known as a Section 21 eviction, a landlord can end a tenancy without giving a reason.

The 2019 Conservative manifesto promised to abolish the mechanism, but three years later the policy has still not been enacted.

Figures released by the government in April showed that 5,260 households were threatened with homelessness in England as a result of a no-fault eviction between October and December 202.

This figure represents a rise of 37 per cent compared to the same period before the pandemic. Under a section 21 eviction notice, a tenant is given just two months’ notice to leave their home.

Osama Bhutta, director of Campaigns at the housing charity Shelter, said: “The Prime Minister reassured parliament today that the government will scrap Section 21 no fault evictions and it won’t U-turn on its manifesto commitment. Truss’s words will provide some relief for England’s 11 million private renters who deserve better than this chaos.

“But the government promised to transform private renting, of which banning no-fault evictions is one part of the package. The Renters’ Reform Bill is ready to go, it’s time the government stopped stalling and brought the Bill forward in this parliament.

“Private renting is completely broken - anything less than wholesale reform won’t give private renters the security and stability they need. Now the government must also stay true to its word to ban discrimination against low-income families and ensure privately rented homes are decent and safe.”