Coronavirus: ‘Worrying number’ of renters still falling through gaps in government’s support schemes, Shelter warns

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A “worrying number” of people are still falling through gaps in the government’s financial support schemes for the coronavirus pandemic, a major housing charity has warned. Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said the government’s schemes had “undoubtedly” helped many people during the Covid-19 crisis but warned some were still without adequate support. “The government should have thought about all this … it didn’t design the system in a way that delivered because it gave far too much leeway for unscrupulous schools and agencies to basically make up the rules as they go along.” Ms Neate added that people paying average rents were facing “huge shortfalls” and were at serious risk of becoming homeless during the crisis if support was not increased. “To prevent this suffering and give people a fighting chance, the government must increase housing benefit now to cover average rents and lift the benefit cap.” In response to Shelter's comments, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government told The Independent that the government had taken "unprecedented action to support renters during the pandemic", citing protection from evictions until 23 August as an example.