Supporting tenants during Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Stuart Ropke, Chief Executive at Community Housing Cymru said:

“The first priority for housing associations in Wales is to ensure their tenants can live safely in their homes. We are confident that tenants will not be evicted from a housing association home because of financial hardship due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). These are unprecedented times for us all - however, one thing that remains consistent is Welsh housing associations’ commitment to supporting their tenants through hardship.

“Housing associations play a crucial part in preventing and alleviating homelessness whenever it arises, and will continue to work with partners to ensure nobody is without a home. We know this is a highly stressful time for many people. Housing associations are working tirelessly to ensure support services are in place and reaching the people who need them, including supporting with budgeting and claiming benefits. We urge anyone who is worried and living in a housing association home to contact their landlord.

“We are aware there’s lots of debate on how the state can support the social housing sector through this time. We are working with Welsh Government to ensure measures are in place to support tenants through this crisis. We also urge UK Government to strengthen the safety net of the welfare system to reduce the impact on jobs and income caused by this terrible virus.”