We continue to campaign for the Scottish Government to use its powers under the Coronavirus Act 2020 to extend the winter eviction ban. Read about our campaign in Glasgow Evening Times
A short extension to the eviction ban would be a proportionate public health response to the Covid-19 threat. The thought of parents and children being made homeless during the height of the pandemic makes no sense, particularly on the back of the extra lockdown restrictions announced yesterday.
In response to a question in the Scottish Parliament the First Minister said extending the winter eviction ban was “under consideration”. Here is the question and answer:
Ross Greer (West Scotland) (Green):
The winter eviction ban, which was pushed for by Living Rent, Scottish Green Party members and many others, will expire on 22 January. During a lockdown, and the worse surge yet of the virus, evictions would be grossly unjust but also downright dangerous. Will the Scottish Government extend the ban on evictions until the end of the furlough scheme in April?
The First Minister:
I know that that is under consideration right now. I do not want to pre-empt the final decision that I am sure that the housing minister is in the process of taking and will set out in due course; however, I hope that it will give a signal of the direction of travel when I say that I agree with the sentiments that were expressed in the question.
