Evictions of Council Tenants Reduced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 26, 2010 -- Cllr Kenny MacLaren (SNP – Paisley North West) has welcomed the massive 61% reduction in evictions due to rent arrears by Renfrewshire Council. This reduction is due to the council’s investment in prevention activity and help to sustain tenancies. This information is contained within a report which comes before the council’s Housing Board on Tuesday 2nd March 2010.

The number of enforceable evictions has fallen by 61% between April 2009 and 31st December 2009 compared to the same period last year. This reflects the substantial reduction in the number of cases progressing to court reducing from 2,172 in December 2008 to 1,030 in December 2009. Not all cases progressing to court result in an eviction decree and not all eviction decrees result in actual evictions as the majority of tenants leave their property of their own accord before an eviction decree can be served.

Cllr Kenny MacLaren commented;Cllr Kenny MacLaren

“The policy of helping sustain tenancies and preventing homelessness is making significant progress in reducing evictions, with an impressive 61% drop in evictions from the same period last year.

“In the current economic situation where many people are struggling to make ends meet, it is important that the council looks at ways of helping our tenants retain their tenancies.

“It is important for tenants who are facing financial difficulties to contact the housing department as soon as possible so that they can access any support that may be available.”