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The Scottish government has signalled its intention to extend measures to protect renters from eviction during the coronavirus pandemic until next spring.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she will work with opposition parties to stop what has been described as a potential “avalanche” of evictions in the coming months.
Recent reports claim 350 applications for eviction have been lodged since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown, despite emergency legislation passed by the Scottish government increasing the necessary notice period for evictions to six months.
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said during First Minister’s Questions that tenants could face eviction as soon as the legislation is lifted.
Sturgeon replied that she wants to extend the emergency laws until the end of March 2021.
The UK government has said the ban on evictions in England and Wales will end on August 23. HuffPost UK reported last month that renters are already being served eviction notices despite the government’s promise to protect people from a wave of homelessness.
On Wednesday, the first minister said: “The government wants to extend that until March 2021 – I can’t say that is definitely happening because it is up to this parliament to vote on that but if my party and his party vote for it then there should be no block on that.”
Shelter Scotland welcomed the possibility of extension on Twitter, saying: “This helps thousands hit hard by the pandemic to keep a roof over their heads. This is a big win for our supporters and us.”
The first minister added the extension shows the commitment of the Scottish government to “do everything we can to protect tenants and prevent people becoming homeless as a result of the pandemic”.
She said: “I’m absolutely always willing to listen to where we can and should go further on these matters but the protection against eviction is there right now and, if this parliament agrees, it will be extended.”