Renters facing eviction urged to "Get help now!"
People who are facing eviction are being encouraged to seek help quickly and reduce the risk of becoming homeless.
Eastbourne Borough Council, with the support of Citizens Advice and Brighton Housing Trust, is urging renters who have received an eviction notice to come forward as soon as possible, despite there being a ban on enforcing evictions.
The government brought in the nationwide ban to protect renters potentially affected by coronavirus over the winter but this runs out next month, on 21 February. Currently, landlords must give tenants at least six months' notice of their intention to evict.
Councillor Alan Shuttleworth, Cabinet member for Housing, said: "It is of vital importance that anyone who finds themselves in the often-distressing situation of being notified of eviction asks for help sooner rather than later.
"We want to make sure people are given all the support they can to prevent them becoming homeless and the quicker they contact us, the more assistance will be available. Please don't leave this until the last minute, get help now."
Alan Bruzon, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Eastbourne, said: "We urge people not to put off dealing with financial difficulties. If you're having any problems with reduced income or are unable to afford daily living costs get in touch. We can help you find a way forward, claim benefits, deal with debt emergencies and regain control of your finances. Our service is free, confidential and open to everyone."
Dan Saxby, Eastbourne Advice Manager from Brighton Housing Trust, explained that across Sussex, Brighton Housing Trust prevented over 900 households become homeless in the past year, many of whom lived in the Eastbourne area. He added: "We would urge people to seek advice as soon as they get into any rent or mortgage arrears and immediately if they receive any form of notice from their landlord or lender."
