The Liberal Democrats and I are calling for an emergency ban on no-fault evictions over the Christmas period, as figures show 73 families in Woking were put at risk of homelessness due to a Section 21 notice in the year 2022/2023.

Government data from 2022/2023 shows that 73 households were placed at risk of homelessness in Woking Borough as a result of a Section 21 notice which are used by landlords for no fault evictions.

The Lib Dems are calling on the Government to enact an emergency ban on these Section 21 evictions over the festive period to prevent more families being made homeless through no fault of their own over the Christmas period.

Families in Woking are facing a nightmare before Christmas.  With the cost of living crisis putting intolerable pressure on family finances, a shocking number of households could find themselves on the streets over the festive period through no fault of their own.

As Mayor of Woking, I had our local homeless shelter, the York Road Project as my mayoralty charity.  I was pleased to raise money for them and raise awareness of their cause, I know through this experience that banning no fault convictions could help a lot of people.

Instead of taking urgent steps to prevent homelessness before it happens, this heartless Government has kicked the ban on no fault evictions into the long grass and introduced measures to criminalise rough sleeping.

We need to see an emergency ban on no fault evictions over the festive period and a compassionate approach to rough sleeping to make sure no family in Woking is left out in the cold this Christmas.