Greater Manchester Law Centre (GMLC) have produced a Covid-19 Survival Kit to support people through the current public health crisis. The Survival Kit includes comprehensive information to help people protect things such as their homes and jobs, explaining people’s rights and clear ways to enforce them and is available at www.gmlaw.org.uk
GMLC is particularly concerned about those claiming Universal Credit and tenants in the private tenants sector at this time.
It is estimated that 94,000 people across Greater Manchester have been forced to claim Universal Credit as a result of the COVID19 Pandemic, many for the first time. The initial new claim decisions will start to be made over the coming weeks; starting on Wednesday 22nd April with the first new claims being paid from the following Wednesday 29th April.
GMLC is urging people who had to claim Universal Credit to check their journal regularly in case they overlook, or do not receive the messages instructing them to do something on their account. If people do not respond, claims will be delayed and may close automatically a week before they’re due to be paid. People need to be vigilant if those claims are going to go into payment.
Most Greater Manchester residents, both renters and homeowners are now protected from eviction following the decision of the judiciary in March to suspend eviction proceedings until 25th June. This protection is temporary and does not stop private landlords from serving notice to end existing tenancy agreements. Tenants that are most at risk include those that have lost their jobs recently, or those struggling financially given the current health emergency,
GMLC is determined to support tenants affected by COVID19 and is urging any tenants that are facing eviction or who have been served with notice to contact us on 0161 769 2244 or email housing@gmlaw.org.uk.
