Homelessness charity Crisis says the long-standing government pledge to scrap Section 21 eviction powers can’t come soon enough.

The charity has backed up Labour’s claim that thousands are facing homelessness this Christmas, with over 5,000 households estimated to be at risk of losing their home in the final quarter of 2023.

This comes as Labour’s Deputy Leader and Shadow Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, and shadow minister for homelessness Mike Amesbury, prepare to visit one of Crisis’ Skylight centres in London this week. 

The charity claims to provide accommodation to over 590 people who would otherwise be sleeping rough in London, as well as opening three day centres for hundreds of people stuck in insecure accommodation such as hostels and B&Bs.  

Chief executive Matt Downie says: “Christmas should be a time of celebration, but instead thousands of people will be experiencing homelessness, while others on the brink will be wondering if this Christmas will be the last in their own home.

“Through our services, we see how the lack of security for renters is driving up homelessness. Day in day out, we witness the emotional and financial toll it has on people. What’s more, the severe shortage of affordable housing means that people who are served an eviction notice often struggle to find somewhere else they can afford. It cannot be understated the immense stress this causes people, as they face the very real prospect of being thrust into homelessness.  

“Scrapping no fault evictions cannot come soon enough, but ultimately we need the next government to commit to tackling the root causes of homelessness if we want to end it for good. 

“This Christmas, we’ll once again be doing all we can to support people as they start their journey out of homelessness – offering warmth, companionship and vital support through both our Christmas and year-round services. We look forward to welcoming Angela and Mike into our Skylight centre next week, so they can learn more about our work and hear from the people we support, as only by working together will we end homelessness for good.”