A charity providing support for older people facing financial hardship has hit out at the government over rumours concerning the Renters Reform Bill.

Morgan Vine, head of policy and influencing at the organisation Independent Age, says: “Reports that the ban on no-fault evictions in the Renters (Reform) Bill may be ‘watered down’ are extremely concerning. 

“Homelessness in later life is rising, with an increase of over 50% in the last four years, taking the number to over 12,000. Anything less than a full and immediate ban on no fault evictions leaves all older renters, particularly those living in poverty, at risk of having nowhere to live.

“The growing number of older private renters who could currently be evicted from their home at any time, with no warning, and through no fault of their own, urgently need greater protections. Older people who rent have shared the fear and anxiety they feel about being kicked out of their home, alongside the financial, mental and physical toll of finding somewhere else to live.  Ending no fault evictions would give them much needed peace of mind and security.

“The UK Government must commit to bringing in the ban in full now and keep its promise to tenants of all ages. Older private renters can’t wait any longer.”

The statement from the charity follows speculation in some mainstream news outlets that the government is considering accepting amendments that water down the most pro-tenant elements of the proposals in the Bill.

Both Propertymark and the National Residential Landlords Association have described the amendments as helping to balance the Bill, rather than water it down.