BHT Sussex is urging people to get advice and representation as soon as possible if they are behind on their rent or mortgage payments, or worried about losing their home. The temporary ban on evictions that was put in place due to the pandemic is ending next week on 31 May 2021. This could have serious consequences for the huge numbers of people who have built up rent arrears during the crisis.
BHT Sussex runs three advice centres in Brighton, Hastings and Eastbourne, and with the pause on evictions set to end, their specialist housing advisers are preparing to see an unprecedented number of people seeking their support to avoid homelessness.
Research by Citizens Advice shows that half a million people are now behind on their rent due to the pandemic. They and many others, including the National Residential Landlords Association, are calling for a national programme of loans and grants to help people pay off arrears built up since lockdown began.*
It is not just renters who are vulnerable; during the crisis struggling homeowners have been able to take a six-month ‘holiday’ from their monthly mortgage repayments, but this scheme will also end in July. The government’s ‘Everyone In’ initiative, which ensured accommodation was available to anyone sleeping rough, will likely end in June.
Andy Winter, Chief Executive of BHT Sussex, said:
We are facing a real and imminent crisis both locally and nationally. We are conscious that many of the temporary measures introduced during the pandemic to protect people from homelessness are now ending, and this will leave many vulnerable.
We want people to know that it is not too late to get support. Every week our advisers help families and individuals facing eviction to keep their homes. If you are worried about your living situation then please do not wait, get advice as soon as possible – you can visit bht.org.uk to find out more.
Click here for the full contact details of our Brighton Advice Centre, or call us on 01273 645455
Click here for the full contact details of our Hastings Advice Centre, or call us on 01424 452618
Click here for the full contact details of our Eastbourne Advice Centre, or call us on 01323 642615
