In Manchester, a troubling situation has emerged as tenants facing eviction are being advised by the local council to remain in their properties, even after receiving eviction notices. This guidance has led to significant psychological distress among affected families, raising concerns about their wellbeing and future housing stability.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants are advised to stay in their homes despite eviction notices, causing anxiety and uncertainty.
• Over 300 households in Manchester are currently facing no-fault evictions.
• The council’s approach is under scrutiny for potentially prioritising cost-saving over tenant welfare.

The Impact of Council Advice

Charu Agrawal, a tenant in Rusholme, shared her experience of being told to stay in her home for nine months after receiving a no-fault eviction notice. This advice left her feeling anxious and confused, as she was unsure of her future housing situation. Agrawal, who lives with her 15-year-old son, reported that the uncertainty affected her mental health, leading to sleepless nights and an inability to focus on job applications.

The council’s guidance to remain in the property, even after her landlord initiated court proceedings, exacerbated her distress. "It was a very confusing situation. I couldn’t apply for jobs, I couldn’t do anything. I was kept in the dark and asked to wait," she explained.

Council’s Justification

Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, defended the council’s approach, stating that it aims to assist families based on when they are likely to become homeless. With a shortage of available homes, the council prioritises finding new accommodations for tenants as soon as they seek assistance. However, this often results in families being placed in temporary housing, which can be less than ideal.

The Broader Context

Currently, the council is aware of over 300 households undergoing no-fault eviction processes, with an additional 2,743 families already in temporary accommodation awaiting permanent housing solutions. The financial implications of this situation are significant, with the cost of temporary accommodation projected to decrease from £23.4 million to £18.4 million in the upcoming year. This reduction has been attributed to fewer families being placed in bed and breakfast accommodations and more individuals staying with friends or family.

Concerns from Advocacy Groups

The Greater Manchester Law Centre has raised alarms about the psychological impact of the council’s eviction advice. Kate Bradley, a caseworker at the centre, highlighted the distress caused by the uncertainty of housing. "You have forced a crisis in their life and put people in psychological distress. I don’t think you can overstate how bad that is for the wellbeing of tenants and their families," she stated.

The charity emphasises the need for a more compassionate approach to housing support, particularly for those facing eviction. The current strategy, which appears to prioritise financial considerations, may not adequately address the urgent needs of vulnerable families.

Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, the Manchester City Council faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of tenant evictions. The balance between managing limited resources and ensuring the wellbeing of residents remains a critical challenge. Advocacy groups continue to call for reforms that prioritise the mental health and stability of families at risk of homelessness, urging the council to reconsider its current policies.

Sources

• Manchester: Tenants left in limbo by council eviction advice, BBC.