Wandsworth Council says it won't evict tenants during the coronavirus crisis.

With some people facing reduced incomes or job losses as a result of the outbreak, the council has confirmed it will be relaxing its normal rules on rent arrears and non-payment of council tax.

No council tenants in Wandsworth will face eviction proceedings as a result of rent arrears while the crisis continues.

And no enforcement or recovery action will be initiated against people who fall behind with their council tax payments.

Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia said: “We understand that significant numbers of people face reductions in their wages and income and in some cases the loss of their jobs altogether.

“At this difficult time we want to do all we can to help those of our residents who are facing money problems, which is why we won’t evict you if you fall behind with paying your council rent and we won’t take enforcement action if you are temporarily unable to pay your council tax.

“This easing of the rules will continue until the Coronavirus crisis has come to an end. Once that happens we will work sympathetically with our residents and tenants to help them get their rent and council tax accounts back on track.”

There are a number of debt advice services available from charities and voluntary agencies. If people are facing spiralling debts they can obtain advice and support from organisations like Step Change or the National Debt Line.

The council is encouraging people to continue paying these bills if they are able to do so.