Up to 500 single-parent families in Worksop could face homelessness

Hope Community Services fear when the Government’s temporary suspension of tenant evictions by landlords comes to an end on Sunday families behind with the rent will suffer.

Katie Chubb, development officer at the Worksop charity, told how there were around 1,000 single-parent families in the town - with roughly half of them in private rented properties.

The charity worker told how private renters were much more likely to be in low-paid, unstable work across the retail and hospitality sectors.

Katie, who is ‘really concerned’ about single-parent families, worries that with the furlough scheme set to end in October and the evictions ban lifted there will not be enough capacity to house those who could be evicted after losing their jobs.

She said: “There’s a real risk that over 500 single-parent families could find themselves in this perfect storm.

“I’m not really sure what will happen from the council perspective in terms of housing these people.

“The Government say landlords have to work compassionately with tenants but compassion is not in the legislation.

“If you have a landlord who is willing to work with you on a payback loan that’s okay but if you don’t have an understanding landlord you may have an issue.”

However Bassetlaw Council say even when an eviction cannot be avoided it has a ‘range of options’ to ensure a household is not left without somewhere to live.

These include alternative private rented accommodation, accommodation through the council’s own ‘limited’ number of temporary accommodation units and emergency temporary accommodation.

Councillor Steve Scotthorne, member for housing, said before any eviction takes place councils have a duty to try and prevent a household from becoming homeless.

He said: “If a tenant has been served with an eviction notice this does not mean they will automatically lose their home.

“Prevention measures include working with landlords to try and help tenants stay in their home, providing support through our money advisers and benefits team with benefit claims, arranging financial advice or making payments from the homeless prevention fund.

“Under the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 we have 56 days in which to try and prevent homelessness from occurring - and in many previous cases we have been successful.

“If you are worried about losing your home phone the council’s housing needs team on 01909 533 455.”

Landlords in need of advice on how to resolve issues with tenants prior to serving eviction notices should get in touch via the same number.

Hope Community Services – which has been running since 1996 – provides up to 22 beds for the homeless in Worksop and has one family flat – which is currently occupied.

They can provide food, accommodation and access to mental health support – to make a donation click HERE.

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