A RENTERS’ union said Government measures to protect tenants do not go far enough.

Acorn Brighton organiser Paul Williams applauded Boris Johnson’s Thursday pledge to ban all new evictions for the next three months.

But he called on the Government to suspend all rent payments and stop all current court proceedings involving eviction orders.

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And Mr Williams said plans to arrange “affordable rent repayment plans” after the three-month grace period would spark a debt crisis for tenants.

“This new law is nowhere near enough unless rents are suspended,” he said.

“The new law means that people will just end up with huge debts three months down the line so many sick people will still be forced to go to work .

“Acorn is demanding rent suspensions and ensuring that existing court orders for evictions are stopped too.”

A Government press release said landlords would not have to make mortgage repayments during the three-month no eviction period.

“At the end of this period, landlords and tenants will be expected to work together to establish an affordable repayment plan, taking into account tenants’ individual circumstances.” it said.

“The Government will also issue guidance which asks landlords to show compassion to allow tenants to remain in their homes wherever possible.”

A Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government spokeswoman said the Government’s priority was to “put people first”.

“We’ve announced a range of measures to support people and communities, including a £500 million fund for households experiencing financial hardship and ensuring statutory sick pay is available from the first day people take off work,” she said.

“The Government has always been clear that our priority is to put people first, which is why there is support in place to help affected people and minimise any social and economic disruption.”

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