Boris Johnson has promised that tenants will be protected from eviction during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
When he was quizzed by Jeremy Corbyn, he replied: "I can indeed confirm we will be bringing forward legislation to protect private renters from eviction. That is one thing we will be doing.
"But it is also important as we legislate that we do not simply pass on the problem, so we will also be taking steps to protect other actors in the economy."
The initial question was put to Johnson during this today's Prime Minister's Questions in a quieter than usual House of Commons.
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He said: "Yesterday the chancellor unfortunately offered nothing to the 20 million people living in rented homes. Including three million households with children.
"They're worried, they're worried sick that they can't pay their rent if they get ill, lose pay or feel that they need to self isolate. It is in the interest of public health - of the health of all of us - that people don't feel forced to go to work in order to avoid eviction when they know themselves that they may be spreading this terrible disease."
Yesterday Corbyn called for more support for people renting when he said: "Millions of people rent in the UK. Suspend rents. Ban evictions. Now."
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Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced yesterday that mortgages could be frozen for three months, at the same time he pledged a £330 billion coronavirus package.
Mr Sunak told the assembled media that more measures would be announced. He promised to do 'whatever it takes' during 'a time to be bold, a time for courage', he said: "This government will give you all the tools you need to get through this."
Adding: "In the coming days I will go much further to support people's financial security."
As well as the 'mortgage holiday', Mr Sunak announced a raft of economic policies, including £330bn ($390bn) of loan guarantees for businesses affected by the outbreak, a cash grant of up to £25,000 ($29,000) for businesses with a rateable value of less than £51,000 ($60,000), as well as increasing interest-free business interruption loans for businesses to £5m ($5.9m).
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The Chancellor also addressed calls to safeguard pubs, clubs, and restaurants forced to close for the foreseeable future, announcing a 12-month business rates holiday for all pubs, theatres, music venues, shops and restaurants.
It's okay to not panic. LADbible and UNILAD's aim with our campaign, Cutting Through, is to provide our community with facts and stories from the people who are either qualified to comment or have experienced first-hand the situation we're facing. For more information from the World Health Organisation on Coronavirus, click here.
Topics: UK News, News, Boris Johnson
