Labour-run councils have reportedly issued nearly 200 no-fault eviction notices to households since the party’s election, despite an earlier pledge by leader Keir Starmer to abolish such practices. An investigation reveals that these evictions, while typically not allowable for local authorities, have occurred through arm’s-length companies set up to manage housing stock.
Local councils usually cannot perform no-fault evictions unless tenants have an assured shorthold tenancy, a rental agreement common among private landlords. However, some councils, including Lambeth, have initiated eviction proceedings against 191 households via their housing management companies. Specifically, Lambeth has issued 63 notices since July of the previous year, resulting in court actions and some evictions carried out by bailiffs. The council has stated that it faces difficult choices in using these properties to assist those experiencing homelessness.
Other councils, such as Reading, Blackpool, Nottingham, and Enfield, have also issued no-fault eviction notices. Reading council launched plans to shut down its housing company shortly after the general election, subsequently serving eviction notices to 48 households. A spokesperson indicated that the decision was made due to the company’s financial challenges and noted that some vacated homes are being repurposed for temporary accommodation.
Blackpool council has issued 73 no-fault eviction notices, using this method to address concerns such as drug use and antisocial behavior. Nottingham city council has also pursued eviction actions under similar conditions, with two notices issued since Labour took power.
In light of these developments, the Ministry of Housing has stated that no-fault evictions are unacceptable, announcing forthcoming legislation aimed at banning them. Concerns regarding tenant welfare and housing stability remain areas of discussion among affected individuals and councils.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/18/labours-housing-hypocrisy-councils-serve-almost-200-families-with-no-fault-eviction-notices