HLPA welcomes the short extension of the stay on possession proceedings announced on 20 August 2020. However, the stay itself will not prevent an unmanageable flood of evictions, many of which will be manifestly unjust unless the government uses this time constructively to address the longer term protections needed for renters.

Our message is clear: We call on the government to honour its manifesto commitment to abolish s21 ‘no fault’ evictions, to let judges decide on ALL possession cases, to urgently reform the chaotic benefits system and to extend homelessness duties for those who are evicted as a result of this pandemic. This must include those with No Recourse to Public Funds.

HLPA is working hard with the Master of the Rolls’ Working Group on making the eventual lifting of stay work as best as possible for our members and our clients. We will continue to do so while campaigning on the issues above which are outwith the Working Group’s remit.