Cost of living crisis: Almost a dozen tenant evictions in Lancaster

Tenants in Lancaster were evicted from their homes almost a dozen times by landlords as the cost-of-living crisis hits people's wallets and energy prices rocket.
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Charities have warned many tenants are facing uncertain financial situations as living costs soar, with action group Generation Rent saying "people face a devastating choice between paying rent, heating their home and putting food on the table".

Ministry of Justice figures show 11 rental households in Lancaster were evicted in the three months to June – up from none during the same period last year, which was largely covered by a nationwide ban on bailiff evictions.

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However, the figure remains below pre-pandemic levels – there were 13 landlord repossessions in Lancaster in the three months to June 2019.

Charities have warned that many tenants are facing uncertain financial situations as living costs soar.Charities have warned that many tenants are facing uncertain financial situations as living costs soar.
Charities have warned that many tenants are facing uncertain financial situations as living costs soar.

Across England and Wales, 4,900 landlord repossessions took place between April and June, more than three times as many as the same period a year earlier, when there were 1,582.

Alicia Kennedy, director of Generation Rent, said the rise is a result of protections brought in during the coronavirus pandemic coming to an end and added that renters who have not received enough support are now losing their homes.

"Alongside a further package of financial support, the Government must freeze rents and protect renters from eviction if they're struggling to stay on top of rent," Ms Kennedy added.

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Polly Neate, chief executive of housing charity Shelter, said the figures paint a "grim picture" as households struggle to keep their heads above water during the cost of living crisis, adding: "Whoever becomes the next Prime Minister needs to get a grip and put ending the housing emergency at the top of their to-do list."

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said repossessions are "significantly below pre-pandemic levels".

A Government spokesperson said it is supporting people facing the pressures of rising costs through a £37 billion package, including a £1,200 payment for the most vulnerable households.

The figures show total claims by private and social landlords for repossession have also risen significantly – 18,200 were submitted in the latest three months, more than double the 7,000 claims made in the same period last year.

They included 37 in Lancaster – up from 10 the year before.