Welsh Government to pay off Covid arrears

The Welsh Government will pay off Covid-related arrears for tenants, it has been announced today.

It has set aside a £10million fund to pay for new Tenancy Hardship Grants (THG) which will be made available to tenants who have fallen into more than eight weeks of arrears as a result of Covid-19.

The grants, which replace the previous Tenancy Saver Loan (TSL), will provide support to tenants who incurred rent arrears between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021 and who are now already in receipt of benefit and will be available until at least the end of the financial year.

Anyone who has a loan under the existing loan scheme will have it converted into a grant. The announcement follows NRLA campaigning calling for an improved scheme. 

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said:“Today’s announcement is a positive step for both landlords and tenants in Wales and will help keep people in their homes.

"We welcome the news that the Welsh Government has listened to NRLA calls to introduce an improved scheme that will help more tenants pay their rent.

“It is essential that the grants are made as accessible for tenants as possible and implemented effectively. We encourage landlords who have tenants with arrears to make them aware of the scheme.

“This help in Wales follows that of Scotland, and exposes England as being the poor relation when it comes to support for the private rented sector. It is time for the Chancellor to provide similar assistance for landlords and tenants in England.”