BARROW Borough Council is encouraging tenants with concerns over the Government’s looming eviction ban to get in touch.

Number 10’s ban on landlords' ability to evict occupants is due to be lifted in three weeks’ time, after an eleventh-hour extension last Friday.

The borough council says it is committed to ensuring a resulting rise in homelessness across Barrow is avoided.

Homelessness charity Shelter anticipates that around 250,000 people in the UK could face being removed from their place of residence due to the ban being lifted.

The borough spokesperson for housing, Councillor Kevin Hamilton, said if anyone was concerned or experiencing difficulties with paying rent they should contact the authority’s housing team.

He said: “The coronavirus has caused a severe impact on people’s lives.

“Right across the country, people have lost their jobs because of the pandemic with many now facing enormous financial pressure.

“I urge anyone who feels they are at risk of being evicted or those who are struggling to pay their rent to come to talk to us - our expert officers are on hand to offer the advice and support they will need.

“While nationally it has been reported that homelessness levels will rise significantly after the lifting of the ban, we are committed to working with partners to do all that we can to prevent an increase in homelessness within the borough.”

Housing Renewal Manager, Chris Jones, has explained some of the wider considerations that may delay some of the adverse effects of the ban’s lifting in south Cumbria.

Any eviction claims that started after August 3 will now require landlords to enter into a ‘pre-action protocol’. This means landlords must attempt to agree on a resolution with their tenants before issuing a possession claim.

Landlords will also be required to provide the courts with information on the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on their tenants.

Cllr Hamilton added: “If there are any landlords struggling with the eviction ban we’d really like to hear from them too. We’d like to avoid court hearings and evictions as much as possible.

"But, if eviction proceedings can’t be avoided, landlords will need to provide the courts with additional information about the effect Covid-19 has had on their tenants.

“This may also have an impact on how much time the tenants are given by the court to vacate the property.”