The borough council looks set to approve a motion that calls on the Government to do more to help those in private rented accommodation.

The ban on evictions ended on Monday 21st September when the courts started hearing eviction cases again which is why the Labour Group have tabled the motion which details the challenges faced by many private renters during the COVID -19 pandemic.

Speaking about the motion, councillor Nicola Pryce-Roberts said: “Nationally, the scale of the problem is huge.

"Citizens Advice estimate that 4 million people have fallen behind with rent, council tax or telecoms payments and the housing charity Shelter advise that 322,000 private renters have fallen into arrears since the public health crisis began with 174,000 already having been threatened with eviction by landlords or letting agents.

"The District Councils’ Network have warned that in total almost half a million people - who spend over half their income on rent - could now be at risk of eviction. This includes 108,000 lone parents with children living with them and 100,000 young people aged between 16-24.

"We know that the number of people and families living in private rented homes has tripled since the turn of the 21st century and that the COVID-19 crisis has hit many disproportionately hard. Those most at risk of eviction are people who have lost their jobs and income. Many now face the threat of losing their rented homes due to rent arrears.

"The impact of being made homeless is devastating at any time never mind during a global pandemic. That is why we are calling on the Government to extend the ban on eviction until at least Spring 2021 and to work on a scheme that would allow anyone who has run up rent arrears during the pandemic time to get back on their feet, and time to pay off any arrears incrementally over a longer period of time.

"We urge anyone struggling with rent arrears or the threat of eviction to seek advice as soon as possible.

"Tenants should try their local Citizens Advice office in England on 03444 111444. Shelter has a good online guide to evictions in England at Shelter.org.uk. West Lancashire Council’s website Westlancs.gov.uk/bills-benefits/help-and-money-advice or South Lancashire Independent Community Advice Network (SWLICAN) on 01695 726 269.”