PEOPLE facing potential eviction for rent arrears have been thrown a lifeline.

The British Medical Association today has welcomed the Government announcement that people facing potential eviction for rent arrears has been extended. The BMA had called on for this urgent action to avoid a surge in Covid infections in the winter months.

Professor Dame Parveen Kumar, BMA board of science chair said: “We’re pleased that after urgent calls from the BMA and other organisations, the Government has finally decided to extend the housing eviction ban.

“However, those facing rent arrears in England cannot really breathe a sigh of relief as it only gives them four weeks’ respite. The Government must see this announcement as an interim solution ahead of a much longer, credible plan. It’s promising to see the Government putting in place six-month notice periods until at least March 31.

“However, we are nowhere near a vaccine yet, which means that unless a solution is found we are looking at the threat of mass homelessness just as there is a potential rise on in Covid cases in the winter months. This would be disastrous for the spread of the virus. We need government to enact emergency legislation and funding to further help the homeless and those facing life on the streets during the pandemic.”

Housing Minister Robert Jenrick confirmed the evictions ban in England and Wales will be extended for four weeks and announced that a six-month notice period will be introduced until the end of March.

His department said the Government plans to give tenants greater protection from eviction this winter by requiring landlords to provide tenants with six months' notice.

An announcement said it would apply to all cases other than those raising serious issues such as antisocial behaviour and domestic abuse perpetrators until at least March 31.

Mr Jenrick said: "I know this year has been challenging and all of us are still living with the effects of Covid-19.

"That is why today I am announcing a further four-week ban on evictions, meaning no renters will have been evicted for six months.

"I am also increasing protections for renters - six-month notice periods must be given to tenants, supporting renters over winter.

"However, it is right that the most egregious cases, for example those involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse perpetrators, begin to be heard in court again; and so when courts reopen, landlords will once again be able to progress these priority cases."