Scottish government launches fund for tenants in rent arrears

Councils in Scotland have been given £10m to provide grants to tenants who have fallen behind on their rent as a result of the pandemic and are at risk of eviction.

Analysis by Citizens Advice Scotland suggests almost 300,000 people in Scotland missed a housing payment last year because they ran out of money before pay day, with Citizens Advice reporting a spike in demand for housing-related advice during the pandemic.

The grants will be available to tenants in both the private and social rented sectors, allowing them to reduce or pay off their rent arrears.

This is part of a package of measures available to local authorities to prevent homelessness, alongside Discretionary Housing Payments, which allow councils to make extra payments to tenants struggling to pay rent, and advice on maximising income.

Housing secretary, Shona Robison, said: ‘We have been doing all we can to support tenants who are struggling as a result of the pandemic, and this latest funding takes our total housing support to almost £39 million. These grants will support tenants and landlords who are willing to work together to address rent arrears and agree a repayment plan to ensure the tenant is able to avoid eviction.

‘Councils have substantial experience in supporting people who have fallen behind on their rent, and are therefore well placed to work with both tenants and landlords in making use of this grant fund. Anyone who has been financially impacted by the pandemic and needs help to avoid eviction should contact their local authority housing department to discuss their circumstances.’

Cllr Kelly Parry, COSLA community wellbeing spokesperson, added: ‘We are working closely with the Scottish Government to support tenants through the grant fund. The pandemic has resulted in some facing a significant loss of income which has resulted in a proportion of these developing rent arrears.

‘The fund is limited and therefore will be targeted at those most at risk of eviction, but will allow local authorities, tenants and landlords to work together to stay in their homes and prevent homelessness. Councils have a lead role in supporting a fair and inclusive recovery. Enabling people to sustain their tenancies helps maintain their important community connections.’

In related news, councils are set to receive a funding package to support the resettlement of families who have come to the UK having been at risk in Afghanistan.

Photo by JR Harris