Our response to the HCLG Committee inquiry into the impact of coronavirus on the homelessness and private rented sector

The Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee has launched an inquiry into the impact of coronavirus on the homelessness and private rented sector.

We welcomed the opportunity to respond to the inquiry, and submitted a written response from the point of view of housing associations.

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for secure, affordable homes, especially for those most affected by the crisis: low-paid key workers, rough sleepers, families in temporary accommodation and people in unsuitable, unsupported or overcrowded homes. It has also highlighted the need for a robust benefits system that covers the cost of rent, and safeguards for employment.                                                              

In our submission we are calling on the government to:

• Repeat the ‘Everyone In’ in the second lockdown and second wave, in preparation for winter.
• Provide long-term investment to build the social housing the country needs
• Provide properly funded support services for wider homelessness prevention

We also ask the government to focus on critical issues including:

• Ensuring the benefits system smoothly supports everyone affected by the crisis to keep paying their rent and manage living costs.
• Ensuring vital support services can continue, with access to testing, vaccination, PPE and staff.
• Addressing homeless people’s long-term housing and support needs.
• Supporting communities and the economy to recover, supporting people into work and investing in homes.

Download the submission