People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson has expressed outrage at the government’s effective termination of the Tenant In Situ scheme, which has provided a crucial safety net for renters at risk of homelessness. The decision to halt funding for refurbishment of tenant in situ properties, coupled with a pause on new funding, is a devastating blow to struggling tenants and local authorities attempting to prevent evictions.
Councillor Johansson said “This move will force more people into homelessness at a time when the housing crisis is already at breaking point. The government is turning its back on renters in favour of landlords and developers,”
Adding insult to injury, a circular issued by the Minister to local authorities has effectively excluded single people and couples from the scheme, making it even harder for those without children to access support.
This is a cruel and discriminatory policy that abandons vulnerable renters simply because of their household status. Everyone deserves a secure home, regardless of whether they have children or not. The government’s approach is deliberately punitive and shows a complete disregard for tenants’ rights.
Cllr Johansson herself previously faced eviction as a tenant in Tathony House in 2024. She drew a direct comparison to her own experience.
She said “I know firsthand the stress and fear that comes with facing eviction. By gutting the Tenant In Situ scheme, the government is condemning thousands of renters to homelessness and instability. I call on the Minister to immediately reinstate funding and expand the scheme to ensure that all tenants, regardless of their household size, can be protected from eviction”.