Thread by @andyverity

I know everyone's attention is understandably distracted - but there's a massive issue building up here in the UK because people and businesses simply can't pay the rent. Renters, landlords and homelessness organisations say the government must get a grip. /1

The National Residential Landlords Association, The Big Issue and Ride Out Recession Alliance, Shelter, ARLA Propertymark, the Nationwide Building Society, and the debt charity StepChange have put out a statement for immediate release... /2

“Many thousands of private renters and landlords across the country now face rent arrears due to the impact of the pandemic . Ministers have failed to address the core problem of debts which have built despite the financial package put in place so far... /3

"Indeed, the Chancellor confirmed that housing benefit will not be linked to the cost of renting for future years. Renters, landlords and letting agents cannot be expected simply to muddle through indefinitely where they face these financial difficulties... /4

"The Government needs to develop an urgent package to help renters in paying off arrears built since March last year. Without further action, debts will continue to mount, making it far more difficult to sustain tenancies and keep renters in their homes after the pandemic.” /5

@hmtreasury's Furlough and SEISS schemes help with wages and self-employed incomes. But they don't cover the rent and other costs. Tenants can't afford to pay - risking eviction in the future - and landlords don't have income - risking many of them going bust. /6

I'll be asking @hmtreasury what their plan is to tackle this huge issue. /7