Babergh District Council has introduced measures to prevent the future eviction of any council tenant on the peninsula that cannot pay their housing rent as a direct result of COVID-19.

In addition to a range of measures announced yesterday to protect the council's workforce, residents and services over coming weeks, the councils have now moved to reassure council tenants they will not lose their homes due to loss of income because of coronavirus.

While the Prime Minister announced emergency legislation to protect private renters from eviction, the councils pledged to work with tenants too, in order to protect them and relieve current anxieties around the impact of the virus.

Babergh District Council's cabinet member for housing Cllr Jan Osborne said: "We don't want anyone having the additional worry of losing their homes if they are unable to work as a result of coronavirus and are facing financial hardship as a result.

"We will always support people who are experiencing difficulties – but now more than ever. No one will face eviction if they cannot pay their rent as a direct result of coronavirus."

Tenants who feel they may need support should contact the income management team and there is further advice for tenants on the councils' webpage.