Evictions (Universal Credit) Bill

A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to prevent the evictions of Universal Credit claimants in rent arrears; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

1 November 2023

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Evictions (Universal Credit) Bill would require the government to prevent landlords from evicting tenants who rely on Universal Credit and are in rent arrears. It places a duty on the Secretary of State to take action to stop such evictions and deal with related issues. The bill is at the first reading stage in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Creates a statutory duty on the Secretary of State to prevent evictions of Universal Credit claimants in rent arrears
Applies to tenants who rely on Universal Credit and owe rent
Aims to reduce eviction risk and hardship by supporting housing stability for low‑income renters
Part of housing and welfare policy; currently at the very start of its passage in the Commons
If enacted, would proceed through the remaining parliamentary stages (2nd reading, committee, report, Lords) to become law

Progress

The bill is currently at its 1st reading in the House of Commons and has not yet moved to the 2nd reading or further stages.

Who is affected?

Universal Credit claimants who rent and are in rent arrearsRenters relying on Universal Credit in private or social housingIndividuals and families at risk of eviction due to rent arrearsLandlords and letting agents (indirectly, through changes to eviction processes)Housing charities and local authorities providing welfare and housing support

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

20 Jun 2022

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Evictions (Universal Credit) Bill

23 Mar 2023

The 2022-2023 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.