SOUTH Lakelands has seen an increase in repossession orders over the past three months according to official figures.

Between the months of October and December 2020, 12 possession claims were submitted in the area according to the Ministry of Justice data.

This was up from six over the previous three months, although it was still below the 21 claims made during the same period in 2019.

During the three month period there were:

  • One property repossession
  • Seven orders for tenants to leave their home by a certain date
  • Two suspended possession orders letting tenants stay, providing they keep up their payments and pay back funds owed
  • Two warrants to evict people in breach of previous orders

The Government recently extended its ban on evictions until the end of March.

Cllr Jonathan Brook, SLDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Innovation, said: “As always, our message to anyone facing the plight of homelessness is to get in touch with us as quickly as possible. The sooner people ask for help, the more opportunity there is that we can prevent them losing the safety and security of the roof over their head.

“There is little the team haven’t heard before and nobody should feel embarrassed about picking up the phone. We are here to help, and it really is okay to ask.

“A lot of our work is focussed on preventing the misery of homelessness before it happens, by liaising with landlords to allow tenants to stay on where they are; help with paying arrears and deposits; and working with families and young people to prevent relationship breakdowns spiralling into homelessness."

A government spokesman said: “Our increases to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit of up to £1,040 for the year are helping to reduce rent arrears.

“Councils can also provide additional support to renters through the £180 million Discretionary Housing Payment scheme.

“This support to prevent rent arrears, our ban on bailiff evictions except for the most serious of cases and our action to extend notice periods has seen the number of repossessions between October and December down 93% from the same quarter in 2019.”

Anyone facing the threat of homelessness can ask for help from SLDC on 01539 733333 or visit our website at https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/housing/homeless/