Responding to news that a law to block evictions will come into force in the coming days, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Tim Farron said: “Millions of renters will be relieved to hear that legal protections will be put in place to block evictions for the next three months – but there needs to be clarity about what happens to anyone falling into arrears because of impact of the coronavirus after that.
“Thousands of families will face financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus. Measures like this are vital in providing certainty in the immediate term, but do not assist with actually paying the rent.
“The government must make clear that it will extend these measures for as long as is necessary to enable people to get back on their feet in the aftermath of the immediate crisis.
“The Government should also take urgent action to prevent any customers being cut off by utilities companies in the coming weeks and months. As people’s circumstances may change abruptly, radical action is required to ensure no one is unable to heat or light their home, or to access drinking water.”